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Woman, man arrested after pizza place, Walmart robbed in Van Buren Township, police say

Tamara Elam, Michael Laster taken into custody

Tamara Elam and Michael Laster (WDIV)

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A woman and a man were arrested over the weekend after robberies at Hungry Howie’s and Walmart in Van Buren Township, police said.

Tamara Elam, of Ypsilanti, went into the Hungry Howie’s in Van Buren Township around 1:30 a.m. Saturday and paid for food with a credit card, according to authorities.

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About 20 minutes later, Michael Laster, of Van Buren Township, walked in and robbed the Hungry Howie’s, officials said.

Workers said they noticed Laster and Elam wore the same sweatshirt when they walked into the restaurant. It was a hooded sweatshirt with flowers on it, according to police.

A Walmart cashier in Van Buren Township was robbed a couple hours later, officials said. A customer recorded the license plate of the robbers’ SUV before they escaped, police said.

A Van Buren Township police officer saw the SUV at a nearby hotel, authorities said.

They were watching the SUV when Elam walked outside to smoke, police said. They talked to her until Laster came out, and all the money was found, according to officials.

Elam and Laster were taken into custody. Elam is charged with two counts of armed robbery. Laster is charged with two counts of armed robbery and two felony firearm violations.

They have since been released on tethers after posting personal bond, police said. Authorities requested $50,000 bond.

Tamara Elam (WDIV)
Michael Laster (WDIV)

About the Author
Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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