An armed robbery suspect was nabbed last night after a four-mile chase by law enforcement through rough and tough terrain in Petoskey, according to a release from the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect had earlier targeted the Bayview EZ Mart next to the Mobil gas station off U.S. 31, making away with all the cash in the register at around 8 p.m., as Emmet County Sheriff Matt Leirstein told the Petoskey News-Review.
Multiple agencies, including the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Police, collaborated on the pursuit, which ended with the suspect being caught wearing incriminating footwear that matched crime scene evidence. Pants, gloves, and a hat attributed to the suspect were also found, although the weapon, stolen money, and a jacket connected to the crime remain missing, making this a partial victory as the investigation continues for those lost items. The public has been urged, in a Facebook post by the Emmet County Sheriff's Office, to contact 911 if they find any suspicious items in the affected areas of Kalamazoo and Jennings streets, Hill Street, or Quinlan and Spencer streets within Petoskey.
"We extend our gratitude to the dedicated Deputies and partnering agencies for their relentless efforts and vital support in this investigation," revealed the press release from the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff's Office has expressed the necessity for ongoing public cooperation to aid in wrapping up the investigation and to ensure the safety of the community at large.
The identity of the suspect and further details concerning the robbery will remain under wraps until the upcoming arraignment set for tomorrow, Leirstein confirmed, withholding the name due to procedural protocol until charges have been requested. Detectives are conducting a follow-up investigation and tracking down additional leads, according to his statement to the News-Review. The Sheriff's Office remains open for inquiries at their designated number, encouraging community vigilance and the reporting of any related findings.
