Man charged in Clinton Twp. theft of van with child inside

A Detroit man has been charged in the Oct. 1 theft of a van that had a 4-year-old girl in it, police said Wednesday.

Spencer Dawaun Johnson, 26, has been formally charged with carjacking and receiving and concealing stolen property, both felonies. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison for the carjacking charge.

A magistrate set Johnson's bond at $500,000, officials said.

Police accuse Johnson of stealing a red 2010 Chrysler Town & Country minivan that was left running on McKishnie Street, which is between 14 and 15 Mile roads west of Gratiot Avenue, in Clinton Township.

Read: Girl recovered after van stolen in Clinton Twp.

The van's owner left the vehicle with her 4-year-old daughter inside to pick up her son, who was at a home in the area, according to officials.

The woman then heard tires screeching and saw the van being driven away, they said. She tried to pursue the vehicle but couldn't keep up with it.

Police found an abandoned bicycle at the scene and suspect it was used by whoever stole the van, according to officials.

Shortly after, the girl who was inside the van was found walking around a business' parking lot near Gratiot and 14 Mile, police said. Officers took custody of the girl, who suffered a bruise to an arm.

Working with the Detroit Police Department, Clinton Township Police detectives were able to identify the suspect in the vehicle theft, officials said.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Helen Street in Detroit and took the suspect into custody.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CharlesERamirez