FBI Ups Reward To $20K For Info On Armored Van Theft Outside Troy High School

TROY (WWJ) - Officials are hoping a $20,000 cash reward will help lead to the arrest of the brazen crook who stole an armored van that was parked outside of an Oakland County high school.

The incident happened last October at Troy Athens High School on John R Road just north of Wattles Road.

According to police, a black male on a bicycle rode up to the armored van, pointed a gun at the driver and demanded the keys. The suspect, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and ski mask, then sped away from the scene in the armored van, leaving his bike behind in the parking lot. The driver was uninjured.

The armored van was recovered a short time later behind the Troy International Church of God on Wattles Road near Rochester Road. Officers, however, found no sign of the suspect.

Investigators are seeking the assistance of anyone who may have observed suspicious activity in the area of Troy Athens High School or along Wattles and John R. Roads shortly before or after the incident, which occurred around 9:27 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Investigators are also looking for anyone who may have information on the identity of the suspect, who has only been described as an African-American male.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI Detroit Field Office at 313-965-2323, or the Troy Police Anonymous tip line at 248-524-0777.