Camaro heist from GM plant prompts chase

Police recovered five just-built Chevrolet Camaros that were stolen from outside a General Motors plant in Lansing, Mich., last week after a high-speed chase that ended more than 50 miles away with the help of a helicopter and tire-puncturing "stop sticks."

Authorities from three counties chased the Camaros — mostly high-powered ZL1 models — at speeds reportedly topping 100 mph along Interstate 96 toward Detroit.

After the cars separated into two groups, several of them crashed and the occupants were arrested as they tried to get away on foot, Michigan State Police said.

Police said the cars were valued at about $375,000 and that no one was injured during the pursuit.

GM said it was working with police and would be increasing security at the plant, which has been targeted by thieves multiple times in recent years.

Vehicles were reported stolen from the plant in March and last August.

The nine people arrested last week, all men ranging from 20 to 24 years old, were charged with fleeing police, auto theft, conspiracy and other crimes but were released the next day pending further investigation of the matter, police told TV station WILX in Lansing.