The Fruitport Police Department is actively pursuing a man accused of assaulting and robbing an employee at the Whitlow's Forerunner Restaurant in Muskegon County. The incident occurred yesterday morning, around 6:10 a.m., at the establishment located on 4610 Airline Road, as reported by MLive. The victim, an employee getting ready for the restaurant's opening, was accosted and physically attacked by an unknown suspect.
Jamie Dornbos, the restaurant's manager, recounted to WOODTV how the cook entered the building before 6 o'clock and was assaulted merely minutes after. Dornbos expressed relief that the cook survived the ordeal and emphasized the familial bond shared among staff members at Whitlow's, which has been operating for over 40 years. Following the attack, the employee was hospitalized for evaluation and is now recovering at home.
The suspect was last seen wearing a dark sweatshirt, dark pants adorned with multi-colored logos, and white tennis shoes, carrying a backpack with distinct coloring. While the surveillance footage obtained was blurry, authorities suspect that the assailant's clothing may be identifiable. WZZM 13 reported that additional details on what was stolen during the robbery were not provided by the police.
According to details shared by WZZM 13, the Fruitport Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The authorities can be reached at (231) 865-8477, with after-hours contact available at (231) 722-3524. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Silent Observer by calling 231-72-CRIME or visiting their website.
The restaurant, in the meantime, has reopened and is taking measures to enhance security. Dornbos told News 8 that steps are being taken to add more cameras and keep the back door locked in the future. While the search for the perpetrator continues, the community has been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or potential leads.
