Bond Set at $3M for Man Charged with Carjacking

A Waterford man is facing several felony charges and a $3 million cash bond after White Lake Police say he was involved in a theft from Walmart and a carjacking in the store's parking lot.

According to the report, 46-year-old Mitchell Blancarte was arraigned July 3 on charges of carjacking, a felony punishable by life in prison, retail fraud first degree, a five-year felony, and resisting and obstructing police, a two year felony.

The report states that Blancarte was seen filling a cart with power tools, liquor, energy drinks and a package of steaks at Walmart before leaving the store without paying.

A loss prevention officer told police, the report states, that Blancarte was confronted outside of the store as he tried to leave the property in a taxi cab with the merchandise that totaled more than $980. The report states that the taxi driver refused to take Blancarte away so he took off through the parking lot running from the loss prevention officer.

The report states Blancarte then attempted to take the key out of the car of an elderly man in the parking lot as he was exiting his car, but the man fought back. Police say another man tried to intervene and help the elderly man. He was able to tackle and hold onto Blancarte as police arrived. The elderly man suffered minor injuries from the fight, police said.

Lt. Adam Kline said officers arrested Blancarte, but that he broke away from police as he was being walked to the police cruiser. An officer and firefighter on the scene were able to chase Blancarte down and get him to the car.

Blancarte was then taken to the hospital after reporting chest pains, and later lodged in Oakland County Jail. Following his arraignment, Blancarte was taken back to Oakland County Jail where he is currently being held on the $3 million cash bond.