Officials: Man robbed, carjacked women at casino over debt
DETROIT -- A 49-year-old man accused of robbing two Macomb County women at a Detroit casino has been arraigned on carjacking charges, reports CBS Detroit.
Investigators say that Wayne Jones had a gambling problem and was trying to pay off a debt when he allegedly targeted the women at the Motor City Casino last Thursday, according to the station.
Describing the incident as a crime of opportunity, authorities say that Jones followed the two -- 68 and 78 years old -- out of the casino around 5:30 a.m. Thursday and onto the roof of the parking garage.
As the women entered their PT Cruiser, Jones allegedly got into the car with them and pulled out a handgun, according to CBS Detroit. He then demanded money, took their purses and forced the younger woman to drive, according to officials.
Police said that once they had driven to a field near Schoolcraft and Appoline streets, the suspect ordered the women out of the car and drove away. The women then walked about two miles before a Good Samaritan drove them to the nearest police station, according to the station.
Reportedly, neither woman was injured.
Jones reportedly returned to the casino parking garage to exchange the stolen vehicle for his own. His image -- captured by security footage -- helped police break the case.
Jones was then arrested at his job on Saturday and was arraigned Monday on multiple counts of carjacking, armed robbery, unlawful imprisonment and felony firearm.
He is being held on a $100,000 bond ahead of a preliminary exam on October 5, according to CBS Detroit.