Lake Orion police have a pretty good idea of what the man who robbed a service station in the village last Tuesday looks like. However, they are asking for the public’s help in finding him.
Police Chief Jerry Narsh said the lone male robber is about 18-21 years old, stands about 5?7?-5?10? tall and has a slim build.
The suspect was wearing a red cap, dark cargo pants and black and white tennis shoes, when he walked into the Sunoco station at 378 Broadway and demanded cash from a female employee.
Narsh said the man entered the station around 2:15 a.m. and exchanged small talk with the clerk before asking her to give him ‘all the money in the cash register.?
‘He entered calmly, talked with the cashier and then asked for change,? said Narsh. ‘When she opened the register, he implied that he had a gun and then asked for the money.?
Narsh said the clerk handled the situation properly by not panicking and quickly turning over the money to the suspect.
‘The cashier did exactly as she should have when you’re the victim of a property crime,? said Narsh. ‘She didn’t resist and she did exactly as he requested. You don’t want to risk your life over money.?
Narsh urges all local businesses to be extra cautious of criminal activity during the holiday season.
That includes being observant of people loitering, those who repeatedly walk in and out of an establishment, or appear to be observing the location of security cameras.
‘It’s the holidays and criminals are aware that shoppers are carrying extra cash and that businesses have more money on hand,? said Narsh. ‘People need to be very cognizant of their surroundings this time of year.?
Narsh advises that anyone noticing suspicious activity should contact the police or call 911 immediately.
‘Don’t hesitate. I’d rather be proactive than reactive to this type of crime,? he said, adding that the Lake Orion department is fully staffed to deal with holiday-related incidents.
The police chief asks that if citizens have any information regarding the identity of the gas station robber, to call the Lake Orion Police Department at 693-8321.