Accused Serial Armed Robber Nabbed After Hold-Ups in Chesterfield and Clinton Townships

A 28-year-old Mount Clemens man was arraigned today in New Baltimore on armed robbery charges for in Chesterfield and Clinton townships.

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Michael Zech could spend a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted. He faces two counts of armed robbery and two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Zech, who is accused of brandishing a large nickel-plated or chrome semi-automatic handgun during the robberies, is being lodged in Macomb County Jail in lieu of a $200,000 cash bond in regard to the Chesterfield-based charges, according to Chesterfield Township Detective Sgt. Deron Myers.

Clinton and Chesterfield police tracked down the suspect months after the Nov. 15-17 crime spree in which they sought public help to identify the robber.

"Information was recently disclosed to Clinton Township investigators" that led to Zech's Monday arrest. A search warrant was executed that same day at his Mount Clemens home, where evidence from the crimes was obtained, Myers said.

The weapon has not been recovered at this time, he said.

Police said Friday that their investigation continues as they try to determine whether anyone else was involved.

The charges pertain to the following 2011 incidents, according to :

• At approximately 11 p.m. Nov. 15, a would-be robber stopped an elderly man in the parking lot on Hall and Gratiot, demanding money. The victim, who was inside his car, told the suspect he didn't have any cash, rolled up his window and escaped to safety.

• At 12:56 a.m. Nov. 16, the same suspect demanded money from a cashier at Walgreens at 1045 S. Gratiot in Clinton Township. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

• At 10:31 p.m. Nov. 17, the man ordered the clerk at 7-Eleven at 23 Mile and Callens to hand over an undisclosed amount of cash.

A preliminary exam is scheduled at 9 a.m. July 19 at in New Baltimore, according to court officials.

Check back with Patch for updates.