Michigan Police Track Down Suspect Tied to Several Bank Robberies

A Michigan man is accused of hitting a string of banks across Southeast Michigan, and investigators say a coordinated effort between several agencies helped bring the week-long spree to an end.

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Police believe 68-year-old Alvin Myron Murray is responsible for bank robberies in Ann Arbor, Ferndale, and Mt. Clemens. Officers say he struck in Mt. Clemens just hours before he was taken into custody.

Robbery in Ferndale Sparks Multi-County Investigation

Ferndale police were first called on November 11 when a man walked into the First Merchants Bank on Woodward Avenue and handed a teller a note demanding cash. He left with roughly $400, and no one was hurt. As detectives began reviewing the case, they linked the suspect to a similar robbery in Ann Arbor a few days earlier.

Arrest in Southfield Ends Week-Long Spree

That discovery set off a multi-department search involving Ann Arbor Police, Southfield Police, and the Oakland County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force. Investigators say ALPR technology helped them zero in on Murray on November 13. During the arrest, officers learned he was also a suspect in a robbery that happened earlier the same day in Mt. Clemens.

Bond, Charges, and What Comes Next

Murray was arraigned in Oakland County’s 43rd District Court, where his bond was set at $250,000. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison. He is scheduled to return to court on November 24, while additional charges connected to the Ann Arbor and Mt. Clemens incidents are still under review.

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Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said:

Bank robberies endanger employees and customers.

Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi called the case a strong example of agencies working together across Michigan and credited ALPR technology for helping bring the investigation to a close.