Franklin

Men accused of two armed robberies in Franklin now in custody

By Tiffany Esshaki
C & G Staff Writer

The men police believe are responsible for two armed robberies in the village of Franklin early this week are now in custody, thanks to fine police work and some helpful witnesses, according to Franklin-Bingham Police Chief Daniel Roberts.

“We’re thrilled that we have them, and hopefully that will calm some nerves down here,” he said. “It was great work by a number of people — the Southfield Police Department, our officers here, and the witnesses who have been very good. It was a real team effort.”

The search began for the two men Monday evening after a Franklin man was robbed at gunpoint as he walked his dog near 13 Mile and Inkster roads. According to police, the suspects approached the man at around 6:45 p.m. Sept. 10 near the area of Woodside Drive. The men, who were in a vehicle as the victim approached, allegedly pointed a silver revolver at the Franklin resident and ordered him to the ground.

Reports say one of the suspects took whatever personal items the victim had on him and then took off with an accomplice in a 1997 to 2000 white Mercury Mystique or similar car. The license plate possibly could have been CST0707, though no record exists for that exact number. Witnesses report seeing the vehicle in the area just prior to the robbery.

Roberts said that, fortunately, neither the victim nor his dog was hurt during the incident. The suspects did, however, make off with the man’s watch, wedding ring and iPhone.

Roberts said Tuesday afternoon that Franklin-Bingham Farms Police cruisers thoroughly canvassed the village to ensure the suspects were no longer in the area. But just hours later, at 5 p.m. Sept. 11, a Franklin couple was robbed while walking in a subdivision near 13 Mile and Franklin roads.

The couple said they were passed by a vehicle similar to the one described in the previous incident. The vehicle turned around and drove back to the couple, and two men got out and robbed the couple at gunpoint, making off with the woman’s jewelry. The victims gave police descriptions that matched those of the suspects involved in the incident the day before, and they were also able to provide officers with a license plate number from the vehicle.

“The license plate number assisted us greatly. The vehicle description and the description of the two suspects were all close to the previous incident. Southfield police were able to see the vehicle shortly thereafter at 12 (Mile Road) and Telegraph. They effected a stop of that vehicle with us assisting, and we were able to make an arrest.”

According to Roberts, the two men are currently being lodged in the Oakland County Jail pending an initial appearance in court, which will likely be on Sept. 13. He said more information will be released after the arraignment.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Tiffany Esshaki at tesshaki@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1095.