AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A vigorous search inside Hines Park by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Dive Team and FBI agents was conducted in connection with an armed robbery spree that’s come an end.
The FBI says their search today is tied to armed robberies of a Burger King on Opdyke, and other fast food places.
Feds say the gunman who’s now charged, told them he tossed the gun in a lake, after targeting this place. But it still hasn’t been found.
“When someone comes into a business with a weapon and demands money, absolutely it’s serious,” says FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Doug DePodesta.
DePodesta is shedding new light on a high-profile case he says posed a danger to the public.
“We’ll follow any and all leads, and it could be from a variety of different methods,” he says.
He confirms earlier today divers from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and FBI agents were looking for a gun in a body of water at Hines Park in Westland, but weren’t successful - meaning another search could happen soon.
“Criminals will throw weapons or evidence in a body of water. A lot of times they believe it will erase trace evidence,” DePodesta says.
The FBI had tracked armed robberies at fast food locations mostly from mid to late December and federal prosecutors have now filed charges against accused gunman Moses Champion, who has a criminal history.
Among the places targeted in this violent spree: Taco Bell locations in Dearborn Heights, Independence Township, and Milford, plus a Starbucks in Redford.
“We’re taking these kind of crimes federal. So, there are more resources, and individuals will go to federal prison,” DePodesta says.
Records show Champion is charged with crimes that also date back as far as 2018 and prosecutors say DNA evidence from a ski mask left at a robbery scene led to his arrest.
The FBI says he confessed to 5 armed robberies and another attempted robbery.
He was arrested during a search of his home on January 28th and remains locked up awaiting his next court date.
We’ve learned the second suspect, also in custody is a minor, and expected to be charged soon by state prosecutors.
Anyone with additional info is urged to call the FBI.
