Police: Man Arrested After Robbing Bank, Taking Hostage In Sterling Heights

STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) - Police have arrested a bank robbery suspect who allegedly took a hostage Monday morning.

It happened at the Vibe Credit Union on Van Dyke Ave., north of 15 Mile Road, in Sterling Heights just after it opened.

According to police, a man wearing a costume entered the bank with a handgun and a roll of duct tape. He ordered a customer to bind other customers' hands with the duct tape.

Sterling Heights Police Lt. James Belmonte said the suspect grabbed some cash and then ordered the customer to drive him to a neighborhood east of the bank and drop him off.

After that, Belmonte said, the robber didn't get far.

"Officers saw an individual exit an address in this subdivision. When they confronted him he ran," Belmonte told WWJ's Ron Dewey. "As short foot pursuit ensued he was taken into custody without incident. The gun that was used in the robbery was recovered as was the money."

With numerous police vehicle on the scene, motorists were urged to avoid the area — Van Dyke between 14 Mile and Metro Parkyway 16 Mile.

No one was injured.

"Obviously as these things transpire they do spin out of control and the biggest concern to law enforcement is the safety of our community," Belmonte said. "We are thankful that control was taken back by police department and our community was saved any, you know, unfortunate incidents."

The suspect faces bank robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and other charges. His name was not immediately released.