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Gas station robbery suspect arrested after brief police chase

Posted at 8:30 PM, May 14, 2015
and last updated 2015-05-14 20:30:07-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a gas station earlier this week, says the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. A patrol vehicle suffered minor damage during a short pursuit.

The suspect was spotted driving a white truck on Broadway Avenue just north of Leonard Street just before 7:00 p.m. on May 14. The robbery had taken place on May 13, and surveillance images of the suspect and the vehicle involved had been released.

After seeing a patrol vehicle, deputies say the driver took off, leading to a pursuit that only lasted a few blocks and ended near Broadway Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue. The suspect jumped out of the truck while it was still in gear and attempted to make a run for it but didn’t get far.

Deputies say the suspect suffered injuries to his abdomen after he jumped down a steep embankment and landed on a downed tree.  He was taken into custody and transported by ambulance to the hospital for evaluation after he was found hiding next to a nearby abandoned building.

The truck rolled into a fire hydrant at the intersection and was later towed away.

Deputies say there was also minor damage to a patrol vehicle that the suspect vehicle rolled into during the pursuit after the driver had jumped out.

The suspect is now being held on a parole violation charge and is being guarded by Michigan Department of Corrections Officers.

No other injuries were reported.

Grand Rapids officers assisted deputies with the apprehension at Thursday’s scene.

Photo provided by the Kent County Sheriff's Department

Photo provided by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department

Investigators say they believe the male suspect arrested Thursday is connected to the robbery of a Citgo gas station around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday on 84th Street in Byron Township. Investigators say the suspect walked into the station armed with a knife and demanded money from the clerk. No injuries were reported after the robbery.

The vehicle said to be involved in the gas station robbery was an older four-door station wagon, which deputies say they’ve recovered.

It’s unclear if either that vehicle or the truck involved in the Thursday evening pursuit belong to the suspect.

The suspect hasn’t been identified yet, pending arraignment.