FeedsRobbery suspect arrested
A preliminary court examination is scheduled tomorrow for a Canton Township man accused of armed robbery.
Police caught up with Leslie Wayne McGinnis just minutes after the alleged crime last week.
Sgt. Rick Pomorski said McGinnis was identified as the man who brandished a knife at the 7-11 convenience store at Warren and Morton Taylor roads.
McGinnis, 54, has three prior felony convictions, including another armed robbery, according to police. Those crimes were committed outside of Canton, though McGinnis has lived most of his life out of prison here with his mother.
McGinnis was out on parole when he allegedly robbed the 7-11 at 4 a.m. on July 4. The thief ordered the cashier to give him money from the register.
Before leaving, he grabbed an “Education is Foundation” charity donation box from the counter.
An officer saw the suspect’s vehicle shortly afterward and made a traffic stop on Sheldon Road south of Ford Road.
“He recognized the suspect,” said Pomorski. “There aren’t a lot of cars on the road at that time of night.”
As he approached the vehicle, the officer saw the stolen money inside the car and placed McGinnis under arrest.
Pomorski said the suspect had escaped with approximately $300, including a “nominal” amount from the charity box. McGinnis now faces life in prison on felony charges of armed robbery and being a habitual fourth offender, if convicted of these charges.
No injuries were reported in the incident. McGinnis was arraigned at 35th District Court in Plymouth by Judge Mike Gerou and given a $50,000 cash bond.
