Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Two banks were recently robbed in Blackman-Leoni Township, both located on E. Michigan Avenue. Now, investigators believe that one man is responsible for robbing a FirstMerit Bank on January 31, and a Flagstar Bank branch on February 7, according to news articles at Mlive.com.
Public safety Detective Sgt. Christopher Boulter said that the individual who entered the Flagstar Bank resembled the individual who robbed the FirstMerit Bank, and that the perpetrator in both robberies was wearing the same mask. Boulter also said a similar method and weapon were used in the bank robberies.
On Friday February 7, the man entered the Flagstar Bank branch at approximately 4:30 in the afternoon; according to Boulter, the robber jumped a counter and demanded money after brandishing what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. The FirstMerit Bank, robbed just a week earlier, is located within one mile of Flagstar Bank. In the first robbery, the suspect was wearing a dark grey hooded sweatshirt and a black mask. The man demanded money while brandishing a black handgun.
The suspect had not been apprehended at the time of news reports, however, police have released bank camera surveillance photos. Following the second robbery on Friday, a police dog tracked the suspect to an area southwest of the bank on Wood Circle Drive. It is believed the suspect got into a vehicle and left at that point.
Bank robbery is a serious crime in Michigan, and is in fact a federal crime. When the suspect is eventually apprehended, it is likely he will face serious criminal charges for allegedly robbing both banks while armed. Armed robbery is a felony which will leave a person who is convicted facing substantial fines and prison time; depending on the circumstances, an individual may be sentenced to up to life in prison for armed robbery.
If you have been accused of a theft or larceny offense, take action immediately. Your career, freedom, and reputation are at stake. Consult with an experienced and aggressive Michigan criminal defense attorney who will work diligently to protect your freedom and help you avoid a conviction and harsh criminal penalties.