Thief Snatches Lottery Tickets In Ferndale

FERNDALE, MI — Ferndale Police are looking for a man who stole a book of lottery tickets from the sales counter at the BP gas station on Eight Mile Road near Hilton Road on March 26. At about 6 p.m., police say the man came in, purchased some chips and a soda pop, and attempted to distract the clerk by asking him about displayed items for sale.

When the clerk turned away, the thief grabbed a book of about 30 state “Wild Time Gold” instant lottery tickets. He then paid for the pop and chips, left the store, and drove off in a black Jeep Cherokee.

Police said the clerk noticed the missing tickets and checked the video surveillance to verify the theft. He then notified the lottery commission. Minutes later, the thief tried unsuccessfully to cash a winning ticket at a BP gas station on Seven Mile Rd. in Detroit.

Police describe the suspect as a black male, 25 - 35 years old, stocky, with well groomed beard, wearing sneakers, green pants, plaid shirt, a Detroit Tigers jacket and a green Detroit Tigers baseball cap with a sticker affixed to the bill. Written on the back of the Detroit Tigers jacket was Pelle Pelle Detroit 1701.

Anybody with information to help identify the thief is asked to call Ferndale Police at (248)541-3650.

Photo courtesy of the Ferndale Police Department