Children, 8 and 10, could face armed robbery charges for snack theft with toy gun

A pair of elementary school students could be facing charges on claims they threatened a group of classmates with a toy gun to steal some sweets and crisps. Warren Police Lt. Dan Beck said the boys, ages 8 and 10, approached a group of Lincoln Elementary School classmates at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday as the group was walking home. One of the boys allegedly pointed the fake black gun with an orange tip at the children and demanded money. The suspects then went through the victims' backpacks and took some swetts and a bag of crisps.

Beck said the victims — two 9-year-olds, a 7-year-old, an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old — were not injured in the incident that occurred close to the school on Federal Avenue near Nine Mile and Van Dyke. The toy gun used in the incident has not been recovered. "It's pretty sad that kids this young would do something like this," Beck said, adding he didn't know the specific snacks that were stolen.



Beck said the boys have been identified and arrangements are being made to have them brought in for police questioning. The matter will then be turned over to a Macomb County juvenile prosecutor to evaluate potential charges. Beck said the children could face various charges, including armed robbery. Van Dyke Public Schools Superintendent Joe Pius says the boys have been placed on a 10-day suspension.

"We take this very seriously," Pius said. "It's disheartening and very disappointing. We work hard with our kids to make sure everyone is safe and that they understand right from wrong. Sometimes kids don't follow through the way you would like." Pius said the suspension was imposed per the district's code of conduct. He will now meet with the boys and their parents to determine if they'll be allowed back in school or face expulsion.