Local 4 viewer helps catch suspect in Ferndale home invasion

Local 4 viewer spotted Ferndale home invasion suspect's vehicle with suspect inside at gas station in Redford Township

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – It was a story which aired on Local 4 a little more than a month ago: A Ferndale man came face-to-face with a crook breaking into his home.

The homeowner fired shots at the intruder. He missed but later provided police with two major leads: A detailed description of the suspect and his silver pickup truck.

"It took me a second to realize why the vehicle looked familiar, but as soon as I remembered the story it clicked," said Marcel Nistor.

Nistor had just read about the stolen vehicle on ClickOnDetroit.com. He had seen it with his own eyes in Redford Township. The 32-year-old suspect, Jeff Reiher, was behind the wheel and pulling into a gas station.

"Definitely got my blood rushing," Nistor said.

He called police. An arrest was made within minutes.

"It felt great," said Nistor.

Nistor now is being honored by Ferndale police. He is being given a citizen award.

He is a mechanic who can say he helped police take down a criminal. He wants to lead by example.

"I just feel like we need more citizens to step up and do the right thing and turn people in who are obviously criminals. They shouldn't be on the street," he said.


Jeff Reiher