TWO ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

The Leelanau County Sheriff Office arrested two suspects after an attempted robbery at the Speedway Gas Station, 13020 South West Bayshore Drive, in Elmwood Township.

On Friday, 7/26/13, at 0125hrs, Leelanau County Dispatch received a call from the attendant at the Speedway Gas Station that a male suspect had just attempted to rob the gas station.  Information was transmitted that the suspect had fled the scene southbound on South West Bayshore Drive towards Traverse City.  A Leelanau Sheriff's patrol observed the suspect vehicle southbound near the M22/M72 intersection and attempted to pull the vehicle over.  The vehicle failed to yield to the police vehicle and continued eastbound on the Grandview Parkway and south onto Division Street.  The Vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Front Street and Division Street and the two occupants were taken into custody.  Traverse City Police assisted in the arrest.

During the investigation it was determined that a male suspect entered the Speedway Gas Station with a gray shirt on his head covering his face except for his eyes.  The suspect approached the male gas station attendant at the counter and demanded money stating "give me the _____ money".  This statement was made twice to the attendant.  The attendant, an off duty deputy with the Leelanau Sheriff's Office working at the station, moved away from the suspect around the counter at which time the suspect fled the store to a waiting vehicle.  The attendant immediately called 911 giving a description of the suspect vehicle.  This vehicle was a tan Saturn parked on Grandview Road.  The vehicle, driven by a female suspect then fled the scene. Deputies observed the vehicle southbound and a short pursuit began before the vehicle was stopped at Front and Division Streets in Traverse City and the suspects were arrested.

The male suspect, a 32 year old from Traverse City, was arrested for attempted unarmed robbery and habitual offender.  He has two prior armed robbery convictions out of Emmet County and the Petoskey area as well as several other convictions for lesser crimes.  The female suspect, a 41 year female from Traverse City, was arrested for conspiracy to commit unarmed robbery, attempted unarmed robbery,  operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, fleeing and eluding police and driving on a suspended driver's license.  Both suspects were lodged in the Leelanau County Jail pending formal charges.