ALPINE TWP. Mich - Police believe the man who attempted to rob the Cash Store on Alpine Ave. NW, about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12 is likely the same man who has successfully robbed other payday lending stores in West Michigan.
The man was unable to get inside the store Wednesday because workers did not unlock the front door. Investigators say he fled from the store on foot.
Other similar incidents include stores in Jenison, Holland, Kentwood, Roosevelt Park and Newaygo.
Police in Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties say the man armed with a hand gun calmly enters the payday lending stores. It appears to investigators the robberies are planned out in advance based on statements from witnesses and security video.
Photos from the Holland Check-'N-Go show the suspect in a blue University of Michigan hooded sweatshirt
He's described as a white male, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 150-180 pounds.
The suspect in the surveillance video was wearing a University of Michigan hoodie, black ski mask and dark sunglasses. He is described as a white man in his mid-to-late 30s who is between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8.
Workers at payday lending stores in the Muskegon area say they're aware of the recent robberies and are watching the front doors of their stores more carefully.
"He doesn't appear to be overly aggressive," said Capt. Mark Bennett, Ottawa County Sheriffs Department. "Almost that he knew his plan and carried out his plan with very little fan fare."
Anyone with information should contact the Ottawa County Silent Observer at 877-887-4536. In Muskegon County Silent Observer's number is 231-72-CRIME. In Kent County it's 616-774-2345. Police in all three counties are sharing information and working together to catch the suspect.
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