Two Independence Township businesses were robbed last week by separate armed suspects who escaped with just over $350 and left no one physically harmed.
The first robbery took place on March 10 around 4:34 p.m. An unknown man entered Candice’s Flowers on Sashabaw Road near Maybee Road as an employee worked in a greenhouse room at the back of the building.
Hearing the front door bell ring, the employee came to the front of the store, stated police reports.
After a brief conversation, the man pulled a gun from his pocket and instructed the woman to open the cash register, turn over the money and lay on the floor. The woman handed over the money, but refused to lay down, so the suspect instructed her to the bathroom and shut the door.
The man escaped with approximately $85 in cash and the woman’s cell phone.
The suspect is described as a 5?10,? over 200-pound, white male near 60 years of age with a husky build and potbelly. He had a long gray beard and a mole over his left eye. According to reports, he wore a light blue and white short sleeved shirt.
A few moments after the suspect left the store, the woman left the bathroom and witnessed the man fleeing eastbound on Maybee Road in an older late1980’s or early 90’s burgundy pickup truck with cap. According to reports, significant scratches were across the tailgate of the truck.
Detective Lonnie Mullins of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Independence Township substation said the woman gave an excellent description resulting in a sketch (included with the article) of the suspect. He also said the mole over the man’s left eye is a distinguishing feature for identification.
The second robbery took place on March 11. A different man escaped from Radio Shack on Dixie Highway near White Lake Road, after robbing a store employee at knife point.
The suspect escaped with $280 in a deposit bag after entering the store around 7:47 p.m., just prior to closing.
Reports state the knife was approximately 8 inches long. The suspect is described as a 5?9? white male in his mid to late twenties with a slender build. During the robbery, the man wore blue sweat pants, a dark blue hoody and blue winter ski mask.
Police quickly set up a perimeter, but efforts by air and canine units were unsuccessful in finding the man.
‘They got the call and within two minutes the first officer arrived there,? said Mullins. He indicated he did not believe the incidents were linked.
‘I don’t think they are,? said Mullins. ‘They could be, but the suspects are two different people.?
No video surveillance was produced from either robbery, said Mullins.
According to Mullins, both crimes are armed robberies because both suspects clearly showed a weapon in each incident.
Those with information should call the Independence Township substation at 248-620-4968.