A 23-year old Jackson man is locked up in the County Jail. Police say Gabriel Schirmacher robbed Comerica Bank at 11351 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn, yesterday (Tues 10/12). Columbia Township Police, who arrived at about 2:10 pm, indicate that the suspect “displayed a firearm while seeking money.” Chief Jay Niles says “the type of firearm used was a semi-automatic pistol, however this was not an authentic working firearm, but it did have significant resemblances to the actual firearm that it was modeled after, and was held in an aggressive fashion.” “Once the robbery was complete, the suspect fled the bank.” Immediately, a description of the suspect was disseminated to area law enforcement. In addition to Columbia Township Police, Sheriff’s Department, State Police, and FBI responded.
Columbia Township Police say “contact was made with the occupant of a vehicle matching that of the suspect on Wampler’s Lake Road in the Township.” At the time of the robbery, the suspect “wore items to conceal his identity, including a COVID-style facemask, unusual hat, and a cold weather jacket.” Investigation revealed “numerous articles of evidence of the crime, and furthermore, the evidence identified the suspect of this crime as well.”
The suspect was taken to the Columbia Township Police department to be interviewed. Once completed, the suspect was transported to the Jackson County Jail.
The police report was forwarded to the Jackson County prosecutor for review of criminal charges. Following the review, the prosecutor’s office charged Schirmacher with the following:
- Count 1: Robbery-armed, punishable by life or any term of years in prison.
- Count 2: Bank Robbery, punishable by life or any term of years in prison.
- Count 3: Weapons-felony firearm, punishable b 2 years consecutively with any preceding term of imprisonment imposed for the felony or attempted felony conviction.
- Count 4: Controlled substance-possession, punishable by 4 years and/r $25,000.
Today (Wed 10/12), Schirmacher was arraigned by 12th District Court Judge Robert Gaecke. Police indicate a not-guilty plea was entered, and a bond of $400,000 cash/surety was set.
