Thief Targets Elderly in Birmingham, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield

Authorities said they believe the same robber could have targeted elderly residents of Birmingham, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield at their homes Wednesday evening.

Royal Oak Police officials said residents in the 2700 block of Bamlet Street were emptying groceries in their driveway at about 5:40 p.m. when a man approached and asked to use their phone because of car trouble. He then said he had a gun and demanded their money.

He ran off after taking an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured.

At about 6:45 p.m., West Bloomfield police said a 65-year-old woman broke her finger when she was attacked by a stranger in her own garage in the 7000 block of Oak Tree. The woman said the unidentified man approached her as she exited her vehicle and grabbed the purse off her shoulder. Her finger was injured in the process and required treatment at Henry Ford Hospital, Lt. Tim Diamond said.

Diamond said the woman screamed, but the thief was gone when the victim's husband came outside. The suspect is described as black with a light complexion, and is between 30 and 40 years old. He stood about 5-feet-10 inches to 6-feet-1, was between 200-220 pounds, and wore a light-colored tan jacket, dark pants and dark shoes.

Police said a Birmingham resident reported a similar crime between the Royal Oak and West Bloomfield incidents Wednesday. Further details were not immediately available.

Diamond said motorists who are being followed should drive to their local police station, or to a populated area to call for help.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the department at 248-530-1870, or email birminghampolice@bhamgov.org.

Patch editors Judy Davids and Joni Hubred-Golden contributed to this report. Check back for updates on this story as details become available.