By ROBERT ANKRAPP
For the Times-Herald
HEIGHTS – Quick-thinking action of a homeowner and her neighbor who called 911 led to the arrest of an armed home invasion suspect July 27.
Michael Clegg, 33, of Taylor was arraigned July 29 on felony charges of armed robbery, first degree home invasion, first degree safe breaking, interfering with a crime report, felon in possession of a firearm and 5 counts of felony firearm. He also was charged as a habitual offender, fourth offense, which carries a life sentence if he is sentenced to more than 5 years for armed robbery.
Maximum sentences for the charges is life for armed robbery, 20 years and $5,000 for home invasion and safe breaking, 10 years and $20,000 for interfering with a crime report, 5 years and $5,000 for firearm possession, and 2 years consecutively for each felony firearm count.
Clegg is being held in Wayne County Jail.
Dispatchers received a 911 call about 6 a.m. for a break-in in progress on Evangeline Street south of Cherry Hill. The 77-year-old resident reported that two men had forced their way into her home, alleging they were armed – but she was able to flee to a neighbor’s house and call police.
Police Sgt. Joseph Stephens was first to arrive on scene and reportedly saw Clegg wearing a ski mask standing at the rear of a vehicle that was backed into the homeowner’s driveway. Clegg then fled on foot. With Stephens pursuing on foot, several officers then descended on the scene and Clegg was arrested without incident.
Police were unable to locate the second suspect but are speaking with a person of interest.
Police recovered multiple pieces of evidence including two handguns, a face mask and property belonging to the victim in and near the getaway vehicle. Several items of evidentiary value were turned over to the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Laboratory in Northville to establish the identity of the second suspect.
Police Chief Jerrod Hart was pleased with both the quickness the residents contacted police, as well as the speed in which the dispatchers acted in response to the incident.
“The residents provided timely and clear information to our 911 dispatchers who simultaneously alerted our police officers, who arrived at the scene in 1 minute and 45 seconds,” he said. “The teamwork displayed by dispatchers and police officers was exceptional. I am very proud of all of our staff for their coordinated response”
Anyone with information regarding the second suspect should contact call 313-277-7487 or Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAK UP.