Royal Oak Township, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Early Monday morning, a U-Haul truck crashed into the Prestige Hookah and Smoke Shop in Royal Oak Township, Michigan, in a botched ATM theft attempt. The incident occurred around 3:25 a.m., with the truck reportedly having been tampered with prior to the crash. Emergency crews responded to significant damage to the shop. A second similar incident was reported shortly after in Detroit, raising concerns about community safety as police investigate the potential connection between the two incidents.
Royal Oak Township, Michigan – A U-Haul truck crashed into the Prestige Hookah and Smoke Shop early Monday morning in an apparent attempt to steal an ATM from the business. The incident occurred at approximately 3:25 a.m. at the intersection of 8 Mile and Wyoming roads. According to local authorities, the driver of the truck and two passengers rammed the vehicle into the front of the smoke shop but fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The store was closed at that time, and no one was injured in the incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the U-Haul truck involved did not match the description of any reported stolen vehicles. Authorities noted that the truck featured signs of tampering, specifically a punched ignition and a damaged steering column, suggesting that it had been broken into before the crash.
The collision caused significant damage to the smoke shop, leading to the disruption of both water and electrical lines in the area. Emergency crews from the Ferndale Fire Department and DTE Energy responded to the scene to address the damage and restore services. As of now, police are still investigating whether anything additional was taken from the smoke shop during the incident.
Second Incident Reported in Detroit
Approximately 20 minutes after the Royal Oak Township crash, another U-Haul truck was reported to have crashed into a check-cashing business located near Fenkell and Hubbell in Detroit around 3:45 a.m. Details on this second incident remain scarce, as it is unclear what, if anything, was stolen during the crash. Police have yet to identify any suspects in this case as well.
Ongoing Investigations
Both incidents are currently under investigation by local police departments. Authorities have not confirmed a connection between the two U-Haul crashes but are exploring the possibility as more information becomes available. Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the incidents to come forward. Individuals with tips can contact the Michigan State Police Metro North Post at 248-584-5740 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 800-Speak-Up.
Community Impact
The attempt to steal the ATM, which resulted in property damage and disruption of services, has raised concerns among the local community regarding safety and crime in the area. The Prestige Hookah and Smoke Shop is a known establishment in Royal Oak Township, drawing various customers for its products. Local residents are on alert following the overnight incidents, hoping that police efforts will lead to an arrest and recovery of property soon.
Background Context
ATM thefts and similar criminal activities have become a concerning trend in various urban areas, specifically targeting businesses with cash dispensing machines. These thefts often involve planning and coordination among suspects. Community monitoring and police vigilance are crucial in combating such incidents, with ongoing efforts to enhance security measures for businesses.
As investigations continue in both Royal Oak Township and Detroit, local authorities are committed to ensuring community safety and maintaining order in the neighborhoods affected by these criminal acts. The police are actively pursuing leads and working with local residents to create a more secure environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- WLIX News
- Patch
- Detroit News
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: ATM theft
- Google Scholar: U-Haul robbery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Royal Oak Township ATM theft
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
