The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety sent a community-wide awareness message on Friday afternoon after an armed robbery occurred at local business Puff Puff Tobacco on M.A.C. Ave.
Kaitlyn Ertel, cashier at Puff Puff Tobacco, said the suspect walked into the shop looking to buy a vape.
“He got three different vapes, and I told him the price, and before I could ask for like his ID or if he was okay with it or whatever, he flashed a gun from his side, from his pocket, and he said basically to hand it over or else,” Ertel said. “I handed it over immediately as I am trained to do - just to avoid any more conflict."
Ertel said local police arrived at the scene as she was on the phone with a 911 operator.
According to MSU DPPS, the suspect is described as a Black male, between 20-30 years old, wearing a Black jacket with brown fur around the hood, red pants, and red shoes, with a tattoo under his right eye.
The suspect is believed to have left the area on foot, heading south towards Grand River Ave.
Police are still on the scene for community support, according to MSU DPPS spokesperson Nadia Vizueta. Anyone with knowledge of the suspect is encouraged to contact MSU DPPS and the East Lansing Police Department.
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