INDEPENDENCE TWP. (WWJ) - A 21-year-old Oakland County man is facing an armed robbery charge after allegedly stealing $500 from a Rite Aid store.
The robbery happened around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Rite Aid Pharmacy on Clarkston Road in Independence Township.
According to police, the suspect purchased an item and once the register was opened he said, "I'll take the money" while lifting his coat to show a bulge indicating he was armed. He then stated, "It's only money."
The clerk handed over the cash and as the suspect was leaving the store, he said "I am sorry I have to do this," according to police.
Oakland County Sheriff's detectives followed up on a tip and arrested 21-year old Matthew Brusen just over 15 hours after the crime. Detectives recovered the item purchased, an air soft pistol, the clothes worn during the robbery, and $433 of the $500 originally taken.
Detectives say Brusen had also shaved off his facial hair in an attempt to change his appearance.
Brusen was arraigned Tuesday on one count of armed robbery, which carries a penalty up to life in prison. He was given a $200,000 cash/surety bond, no 10%, and must wear a GPS tether should bond be posted.
Brusen, who has a criminal history including multiple drug charges, retail fraud and breaking and entering, is due back in court on Feb. 28.
