FeedsWestland teens arrested for Wayne robbery
Three teens were arrested and charged for two armed robberies that took place in Wayne Saturday morning.
Lt. Jason Wright of the Wayne Police Department said 18-year-old Jontele Goodwin, along with a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old, allegedly robbed two couples at gunpoint at about 3:15 a.m. All suspects live in Westland.
The three suspects were riding their bikes near Franklin Middle School, according to Wright. They approached a couple walking along Annapolis Road. Words were exchanged and two of the suspects drew weapons—which police later discovered were toy guns—and ordered them to empty their pockets.
“All that was stolen was a small amount of cash and a cell phone,” said Wright.
The trio fled east on Annapolis. A few blocks away they encountered another couple and allegedly robbed them in a similar way.
Almost simultaneously, Wayne police officers responded to the first crime. A Be-On-the-Lookout (BOL) for the suspects was issued and Ofc. Kevin Berger spotted two of the suspects exiting the 7-11 east of Venoy Road and apprehended him. As he did, the second couple walked to the scene—the robbery took place only a block or so away—and identified the two youths.
Police later discovered two of the bikes, along with the ‘weapons’ used. One was a carbon-dioxide powered BB gun, the other a plastic replica. Both were very realistic.
“They didn’t have any mark on them indicating that they were fake,” said Wright. “At first glance from a police officer, they wouldn’t even think they were a toy. That’s how real they looked.”
The follow up investigation turned up Goodwin, who was arrested without further incident.
“The officers that handled this case did an exceptional job,” said Wright. “Because of their quick work they were able to find the guns before someone else could find them and use them in such a foolish manner.”
The juveniles were remanded to the Wayne County Youth Home. Goodwin was arraigned at out-county court over the weekend. He faces three counts of armed robbery and one count of assault with intent to rob. He faces life in prison.
Wright said it didn’t matter that the guns were toys. The crime was still armed robbery.
“If the victim believes it’s a gun, it’s a gun,” he said.
