INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 21-year-old Independence Township man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a Rite Aid Pharmacy, Oakland County Sheriff's Office officials say.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, police say Matthew Brusen entered the pharmacy in Independence Township, selected an item to buy and went to the register. When the clerk rang him up, he handed her the money. When she gave him his change, officials say he allegedly said "I'll take the money," and lifted his coat, showing a bulge that indicated he was armed. He then allegedly said, "It's only money."
Officials say the clerk handed the money to the suspect, who then reportedly left and said "I am sorry I have to do this."
On Monday, Brusen was taken into custody. Detectives recovered the item purchased, an air soft pistol, the clothes worn during the robbery and $433 of the $500 originally taken. Officials say he shaved off his facial hair prior to his arrest in an attempt to alter his image.
Brusen was charged with one count of Armed Robbery.
