Man arraigned in Dollar General robberies
Police believe suspect has committed similar crimes in other cities
A 28-year-old Detroit man was arraigned Friday and charged with four felony counts in connection to robberies at two Dollar General stores in Warren.
Julian Poplar was arraigned in Warren’s 37th District Court March 3 and is charged with unarmed robbery, a 15-year felony; fleeing in the second degree and larceny from a person, both 10-year felonies; and receiving and concealing a motor vehicle, a 5-year felony.
Judge Steven Bieda set Poplar’s bond at $100,000 cash/surety with conditions that he have no contact with the victim and must wear a GPS tether if released on bond.
According to Warren police, Poplar allegedly approached the cash register at a Dollar General store on Van Dyke Avenue near Martin Road in Warren on March 1 and made a small purchase. When the cashier opened the register to give the defendant his change, Poplar was able to grab the cash drawer and run out of the store with it.
Officers responded to a call about that incident and were on the scene collecting information when they were notified of a robbery at a Dollar General store on Hoover Road about a mile east of where the first robbery allegedly occurred.
Police began canvassing the area for the suspect vehicle, described as a black Chrysler 300. Authorities later learned the car had been stolen out of Southfield.
Warren Police located the defendant in his vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at which time Poplar fled at a high rate of speed, crashed his vehicle, and fled on foot. Officers later arrested him on foot near Eastpointe High School. Officers found evidence from the robberies in the stolen vehicle.
Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer confirmed investigators plan to contact other jurisdictions to confirm Poplar’s involvement in other robberies.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled March 14 at 8:45 a.m. with his preliminary exam scheduled for March 21, 2023 at 8:45 a.m. in front of District Court Judge Suzanne Faunce.