Wayne County Man Accused of Daring Armed Robbery of Armored Truck
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – In a brazen act that has left local residents shocked, a man from Wayne County is facing serious federal charges after allegedly robbing a Brink’s armored truck at gunpoint right outside a Home Depot. The eye-popping heist happened on the afternoon of October 25, 2024, and authorities have painting a detailed picture of the events that unfolded.
A Bold Robbery at Home Depot
According to an affidavit filed by investigators, the armored truck driver was making a routine stop to collect a monetary deposit from the Home Depot when everything took a dangerous turn. Just after 4 p.m., a man approached, brandishing a revolver and making it immediately clear that he meant business. Demanding money, the robber didn’t just threaten the driver; he also snatched the driver’s sidearm, forcing him into a deeply unsettling situation.
Compliance Under Duress
The robber then ordered the frightened driver back into the truck, handcuffing him to the steering wheel! After a few tense moments, the armed assailant opened the truck’s vault and made off with an astonishing total of about $360,000! Included in that hefty haul was a significant deposit from Home Depot, totaling just under $30,000.
A Calculated Heist
What has authorities particularly concerned is the belief that this robber might be a current or former Brink’s employee. How else could he have executed this heist so methodically? The fact that he didn’t bother asking how to access the vault and identified a vulnerable spot just adds to the theory. The surveillance video captures the robber approaching the truck mere moments after the driver parked it while he made his way inside the store.
Surveillance Footage Speaks Volumes
The drama unfolded in real-time as cameras rolled. The footage reveals the robber, who appeared to have been lurking around earlier, timing his approach as the driver exited the store. When the driver noticed the weapon and tried to escape, it was already too late. The brave armored truck driver complied with every order, hoping it would lead to a safe outcome.
Evidence Piles Up
In the days following the robbery, investigators worked tirelessly, using neighborhood surveillance footage to piece together the robber’s movements. He was spotted wandering in the area hours before the heist, and shockingly, some of his clothing was located behind a nearby garage. Items like a Brink’s jacket, sunglasses, and even two deposit bags of cash with the exact amount taken from Home Depot were conveniently found nearby.
Tracking Down the Suspect
After some sleuthing and collaboration with the Detroit Police Department, the investigators were able to narrow down the search. They stumbled upon a list of Brink’s employees who matched the suspect’s description, leading them to a former employee named Antoine Lashawn Ward. He lived less than a mile from where the robbery went down.
The Final Stand
In a twist of fate, investigators pinged Ward’s phone and saw it move towards the crime scene around the time of the robbery. Not only that, but Ward’s phone continued to track along the bus route that matched additional surveillance video obtained shortly after the incident.
A Troubling Discovery
When authorities finally searched Ward’s home on December 9, 2024, what they found would lead to significant charges. Among the discoveries were multiple firearms, including a .38 caliber revolver that the driver instantly identified as the weapon used in the robbery. The investigators also found clothing consistent with what the robber wore, presenting a damning case against Ward.
Charges Filed
Due to the overwhelming evidence stacking up against him, Antoine Lashawn Ward is now facing federal charges of interference of commerce by robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Residents are left shaking their heads, wondering how a heist of this magnitude could occur in broad daylight, and now Ward will have to face the music.
As the investigation continues to unfold, local law enforcement and the community are taking notes from this incident, hoping it serves as a reminder about safety and vigilance. Stay tuned for more updates regarding this captivating case!
