Utica Police Nab Suspect In Monday's Dollar Tree Robbery

The man who robbed the Dollar Tree at 13477 Hall Road at gunpoint Monday is in custody, according to Utica Police Cheif David Faber. 

The suspect is Steven Paul Champine, 55, of Chesterfield Township. Champine has confessed to this robbery and four other recent robberies within Macomb County.  Champine is scheduled to be arraigned in the 41-B District Court today at 1:30 pm stemming from charges obtained by the Clinton Township Police Department. The Utica Police Department expects to arraign Champine early next week for the Dollar Tree robbery. 

Police said Champine entered the Dollar Tree around 4 p.m. Monday. Just before approaching the teller, Champine covered his face with a handkerchief and then pointed a black pistol at the cashier while he demanded cash.

The thief was able to get away with an undisclosed amount of cash, police said.

The Utica police said the same man entered  on 21 and Gratiot Saturday and robbed the cleaners at gunpoint.

Faber said Champion was identified after tips were received upon media posting of the Dollar Tree surveillance images.