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NILES — An arrest has been made in connection with a restaurant robbery Monday in Niles, according to the Niles Police Department.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to an emergency call regarding an armed robbery at Popeyes Chicken, located at 306 S. 11th Street, Niles.

Upon arrival, law enforcement learned that the suspect, a younger white male, had already left the scene in a vehicle with at least three other individuals. Witnesses at the scene provided information to officers, stating that the suspect entered the restaurant, walked to the employee-only order-taking area through the employee-only door and brandished a knife while demanding money.

A male employee confronted the suspect, during which a physical altercation occurred. The employee sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being cut by the suspect. Despite the violent encounter, the employee’s actions contributed to the suspect fleeing the restaurant empty-handed.

Thanks to a tip, the Niles Police, in collaboration with the Michigan State Police and the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, quickly located the suspect and the involved vehicle in the 2500 block of Juniper Road, Niles. The suspect, a male juvenile, was apprehended at that location and has been charged with armed robbery. He is currently being held at the Berrien County Juvenile Center as he awaits further court proceedings.

This swift and efficient response was the result of a combined effort involving several agencies, including the Michigan State Police, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Niles Fire Department, and SMCAS Ambulance Services. The cooperation among these entities played a crucial role in the rapid resolution of this incident.

“We are relieved that no one was seriously injured during this robbery attempt and that we were able to apprehend the suspect quickly,” wrote the NPD in a statement. “Our department is dedicated to the safety of our community, and this is an example of the effectiveness of the collaborative law enforcement effort in our community.”

The Niles Police Department commended the bravery of the Popeyes employees and thanked the community “for their vigilance and assistance in providing information that led to the suspect’s arrest.”