Troy Walmart Armed Robbery Suspects Arraigned

October 4, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

TROY WALMART ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS ARRAIGNED

Suspects that Led Officers on Residential Chase Charged

 

TROY, MI – Today, two armed robbery suspects were arraigned on charges related to a robbery that occurred on October 2 at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Troy Walmart, 2001 W. Maple.

 

Chay Ryan Beckett was arraigned on charges of armed robbery, flee and elude, home invasion and two counts of malicious destruction of police property. Christina Maria Vlaz was arraigned on a charge of armed robbery.

 

The incident began when Beckett and Vlaz were trying to steal several televisions at Walmart. When store employees approached the pair to stop them, Beckett pointed a gun at the employees.

Troy officers located the suspects in the parking lot in a silver Honda Civic. Beckett, the driver, rammed one of the police vehicles and fled into Clawson.

As Troy officers pursued Beckett, Vlaz jumped out of the car on Langley east of Crooks and ran. Officers attempted to block the suspects’ car at this time. Beckett pulled away, however, and the car collided with a patrol car.

 

Beckett continued to flee through the residential area. One of the officers again tried to stop Beckett by pulling in front of his car. Beckett slowed, left the car in drive and jumped out on foot. The suspect’s vehicle collided with the patrol car.

 

Beckett then entered a house on Bywood and ordered the female resident to turn over her car keys to him. The resident did not know Beckett or permit him into her home.

 

Troy and Clawson officers surrounded the house. Officers were able to guide the resident to safely leave the home. Beckett then exited the house and was taken into custody without further incident.

 

The Royal Oak PD K9 responded to the area and located Vlaz hiding. Vlaz was taken into custody without further incident.

 

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Beckett is under investigation for possible involvement an armed robbery that occurred on September 30 at approximately 4:46 p.m. at a Walmart located in Rochester Hills. In that incident, the suspect attempted to steal several TVs from Walmart with a different accomplice. When approached by store employees, the suspect lifted his jacket exposing a black semi-automatic handgun which was tucked into his waist band.

 

Beckett and Vlaz are also under investigation for possible involvement in defrauding an innkeeper, also on September 30. At 10:30 a.m., the suspects reportedly ordered food from a Big Boy in Orion Township. When the food was delivered, the suspects reportedly got up with their plates of food in hand and left the restaurant without paying.

 

The previously described crimes that occurred in Rochester Hills and Orion Township are under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The safe resolution of the Troy and Clawson incidents, along with the successful apprehension of both suspects, is the result of teamwork between the Troy Police Department, Clawson Police Department and Royal Oak Police Department. The Troy Police Department wishes to extend gratitude to both Departments.

 

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Contact: Sgt. Meghan Lehman, brodericme@troymi.gov, 248.885.1910 or 248.619.7263

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