Man Charged In String Of Oakland And Macomb County Armed Robberies

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A Lansing man has been federally charged in a string of local armed robberies.

Brian Dewayne Ali Jr., 33, was charged with 10 counts relating to six armed robberies of check cashing and cash advance stores in Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Waterford and Sterling Heights. The crimes were committed between December 30, 2015 and February 25, 2016.

Each robbery reportedly had the same M.O. The suspect allegedly used a screwdriver or pen to keep the business’ door propped open, then threatened employees with a firearm while demanding money. The suspect allegedly told a female employee at Cash Advance in Waterford that he “had been watching her for two days and would come back to blow her head off” if she called police, according to court documents.

Ali will appear in U.S. District Court in Detroit for an arraignment at 1 p.m. on Nov. 15.

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