Gas station, drug store robbed at gunpoint

Wixom police, in conjunction with Livonia police officers, are seeking warrants for a trio of young men who allegedly committed a series of strong-arm robberies in the two cities over the last few weeks.

On Sunday, March 18, two young males — one black, one white — reportedly entered the Sunoco gas station at 26790 S. Wixom Road and held up the clerk at gunpoint. Both were described as wearing ski masks.

The black suspect was wearing a black hoodie and hiking boots, while the white suspect was wearing a striped sweatshirt and jeans.

The clerk told police that he was standing by the front door when he saw the two men exit a light-colored SUV and run toward him while pulling out guns. According to a Walled Lake Police Department report, the white suspect stayed by the lottery ticket counter and the black suspect followed the employee behind the counter. The black man allegedly threatened to kill the clerk if he didn’t hand over money.

After the suspects stole money and left, police canvassed the area and employed the help of a K-9 unit, which lead them north behind a church; but the K-9 track was unsuccessful in locating the suspects.

Surveillance video was obtained that corroborated the employee’s story.

Then on Monday, March 19, a robbery took place at a Rite Aid drug store at Pontiac Trail and Beck Road. The suspects were described as wearing similar clothing.

Another robbery attempt in Livonia at a Kroger located at 5 Mile and Merriman roads resulted in an employee recognizing one of the suspects. Subsequently, Livonia police nabbed one of the suspects, who reportedly admitted to his role in two robberies and provided the names of his two accomplices in a 7-11 robbery in Livonia that occurred a few days prior.

The 17-year-old suspect added that the guns used were BB guns.

Police picked up the other two suspects — a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old.

A search of their homes reportedly revealed incriminating evidence including clothing, guns, and ski masks.