Wayne County man arrested in Kentucky for alleged role in $1.2M Corvette theft

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - A Westland man has been arrested in connection with the theft of $1.2 million worth of Corvettes from the GM Bowling Green Assembly. The theft occurred on Saturday, March 22, when eight brand-new Corvettes were reported missing.

The investigation was initiated when a resident noticed a suspicious red Corvette parked at her apartment complex and alerted authorities. Upon inspection, the manager of the assembly plant confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen, prompting a check of their inventory which revealed multiple missing cars. Soon after, law enforcement discovered several other stolen Corvettes in the vicinity, including two at the same apartment complex and two more found down the street.

As the investigation continued, a transport driver reported an unusual situation when he arrived to pick up a 2017 Corvette for delivery to Michigan, only to find three brand-new 2025 Corvettes instead. Sensing something was off, he called the police for assistance. During their response, they identified one of the men involved as Deantae Walker, who attempted to flee but was apprehended after a foot chase.

Walker, whose accomplice left the scene in a Jeep with Ohio tags, did not provide any information to the police after being read his rights. However, while at the jail, he reportedly mentioned that if he had made it back to Michigan, he would have received a significant payout for his role in the theft.

Authorities suspect that a total of nine individuals may be involved in this organized crime, with the stolen vehicles taken through a hole cut into the assembly plant's fencing. Walker faces multiple charges, including evading police and resisting arrest, amidst an ongoing investigation into the broader theft operation.