Police say gas station robbery suspect left key clue behind -- a piece of paper with his name, address

by The Grand Rapids Press

KENTWOOD -- As an armed robber fled from a Speedway gas station Tuesday, he probably did not realize the clue he left behind.

It landed him in jail less than 90 minutes later, when officers staked out his apartment.

How did police know where to find him? He left his address at the scene of the crime, authorities say.

The 42-year-old robber entered the Speedway at 4404 Eastern Ave. SE about 1:20 p.m., telling the clerk he had a gun, police said. He held the weapon under a piece of paper.

After getting cash, the suspect dropped the paper as the clerk made a motion toward the weapon. Speedway employees and police soon discovered the paper apparently contained the robber's name.

Witnesses also gave Kentwood Police a description of the getaway van.

Grand Rapids officers staked out his Traditions Apartments residence at 43rd Street and Breton Avenue SE. The suspect drove up to the complex about 2:30 p.m.

He bailed from the van as police moved toward him but was captured after a brief chase.

Police later determined the gun was a homemade fake.

Kentwood Police Chief Richard Mattice said the suspect's arrest could be important in solving other crimes. Investigators were looking for links between the man and several other robberies, including one at a Kentwood party store.