Suspect Robbed TCF Banks in Royal Oak, Macomb County a Day Apart: Police

ROYAL OAK, MI — A 25-year-old Detroit man has been arrested in an armed robbery at a TCF Bank branch in Royal Oak Monday and is under investigation for a bank robbery that occurred the next day in Warren, police said.

Justin Thomas Luther was arraigned Friday in 44th District Court on a charge each of bank robbery and armed robbery, both punishable by penalty of up to life in prison. Judge Jamie Wittenberg set bond at $125,000 cash, according to a news release from the Royal Oak Police Department.

Luther is accused of robbing the bank at 1811 Crooks about 12:03 p.m. Monday. Police said he passed the teller a note demanding money and implied he was armed, then fled with $438.
During his arraignment, Luther admitted to passing the note and robbing the bank, but said he didn’t have a gun, The Daily Tribune reported. However, armed robbery charges can be filed if a gun is implied, but not seen during the commission of a crime.

➤ Royal Oak Police, FBI Seek Bank Robbery Suspect

Luther, who has no permanent address, was arrested at a Ferndale motel Wednesday by Royal Oak police. Assisting were officers from Troy and Warren, along with the FBI’s violent crimes task force.

Royal Oak police had distributed images captured by the bank’s surveillance cameras. A Madison Heights police officer recognized Luther from previous run-ins with the law, The Daily Tribune said.

Luther has been convicted of several petty crimes, including possession of marijuana, assault and battery, driving with a suspended license, embezzlement of less than $200 and third-degree retail fraud, police said.

Luther’s next court appearance in connection with the Royal Oak robbery is at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 22 before 44th District Court Judge Derek Meinecke.