The preliminary exam for a suspected robber from Chesterfield Township is scheduled Wednesday morning in New Baltimore.
Marvin Lee Hopkins, 62, is charged with one count of armed robbery for the Sept. 27 holdup in the Kohl's parking lot off Gratiot near 23 Mile. Hopkins allegedly grabbed a 55-year-old female shopper by the arm as she put merchandise in her trunk. He is accused of threatening to kill her if she didn't hand over her purse while implying he had a weapon.
The suspect then fled on foot, deploying multiple police officers and detectives to the area. Hopkins was arrested less than a week later following tips leading township authorities to a pair who found the discarded purse and then, ultimately, to Hopkins. He had been staying at the Chesterfield Motor Inn nearby the shopping plaza where the crime took place.
Hopkins, a registered sex offender, has a record dating back to 1968 when he was convicted of assault with intent to rob while armed. He was then convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in July 2010 in Macomb County, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections database.
The preliminary exam is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday in 42-2 District Court, according to court officials.
Check back with Patch for updates on this story.
