Postal worker robbery Suspects are arrested

Michale Lamar

Smith-Ellis

Two men are facing multiple federal felony charges in connection to the robbery of a postal worker in Northville Township last week.

Michale Lamar Smith-Ellis, 30, or Detroit and Terrance Tucker, 32, of Inkster were arraigned in federal court last week. The pair face charges of conspiracy; robbery or theft of mail, money or property of the U.S. Government; aggravated assault of federal employee; use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and key or locks stolen or reproduced. The various crimes carry penalties from 25 to 5 years imprisonment if convicted.

Northville Township Police were dispatched in response to a report of an armed robbery at about 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The incident took place in the area of Silver Spring Drive and Eight Mile Road, according to police reports, and occurred in broad daylight when two suspects, armed with a firearm, targeted a postal carrier, demanding keys to postal boxes. Police said no injuries were reported. 

Terrance Tucker

The preliminary investigation indicated the suspects, both wearing all-black clothing and ski masks, took the keys to the postal boxes and fled the area in a newer model mid-sized silver Hyundai SUV, according to police reports. 

Northville Township police dispatchers immediately notified surrounding law enforcement agencies of the incident and included a description of the suspects provided by witnesses.

Livonia officers located and stopped the suspect vehicle on I-96 near Middlebelt Road and arrested the defendants.