Thieves use tow trucks to steal cars on Detroit’s west side

DETROIT – Thieves have been using tow trucks to steal vehicles on Detroit’s west side.

It’s been happening in the Russell Woods-Sullivan Historic District, near the intersection of Davison and Livernois.

Earlier in January, Local 4 was at the former home of Wallace “Wally” Triplett -- A Marine, family man and the first Black player to be drafted by the NFL to the Lions. His family is using the home to honor the giant of a Detroit legend.

Two weeks later, we’re here for a different reason. A Kia sedan belonging to Triplett’s son David was hooked up and hauled off, stolen right out of the driveway just before 3 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

The Triplett family has a rich history with Detroit and the Lions. The family now has a history of having their cars stolen.

David’s sister Nancy’s Kia was stolen while she was at church. The family believes it may be a ring of thieves that stole their vehicles.