Royal Oak

Duo accused of stealing cigarettes during armed robbery

By Chris Jackett
C & G Staff Writer

Djonaj

Police departments in Royal Oak and Troy worked together to arrest a man who allegedly started his St. Patrick’s Day with an armed robbery.

At about 8:49 a.m. March 17, Royal Oak police were called to CVS/pharmacy, 209 E. 12 Mile, on a report of an armed robbery.

The store’s cashier said she was working at the front register when a man and woman entered the business. While the woman distracted the employee, the man allegedly went behind the counter and took several cartons of cigarettes, police said.

When the cashier realized what was happening, she confronted the man, who told her he was armed with a gun. Both suspects exited the store, entered a gray Ford Taurus and fled the area.

During the investigation, officers discovered a recent larceny complaint in a neighboring jurisdiction that involved the same suspect vehicle description. A witness from that incident was able to provide the license plate number of the vehicle, which was registered to an address in Troy. Troy police officers checked the residence and discovered both the vehicle and their suspect, Troy resident Anton Djonaj, 26.

Royal Oak police officers went to the residence in Troy and arrested Djonaj for armed robbery.

He was arraigned March 18 by Judge Terrence Brennan in 44th District Court in Royal Oak and charged with one count of armed robbery and one count of second-degree retail fraud, meaning the merchandise is valued between $200 and $1,000. Bond was set at $50,000 and the next court date was scheduled for 9 a.m. March 22.

The penalty for armed robbery is up to life in prison. The penalty for the retail fraud charge could be up to a $2,000 fine, or three times the value of the stolen merchandise.

The female suspect was not located. Described as a black woman in her 20s, she is about 5 feet 5 inches tall with a medium build and weighs about 140 pounds. She has a dark complexion and black shoulder-length hair. During the robbery, she was wearing a black jacket with fur around the hood, a long red shirt, blue jeans and red boots.          

Anyone with further information should contact the Royal Oak police at (248) 246-3500 and refer to report No. 13-7333.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Chris Jackett at cjackett@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1110.