Suspect in Southfield rabbi's home invasion wore distinctive clothes; held on $750K bond
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren announced an arrest Monday after a rabbi and several University of Michigan students were held at gunpoint during a home invasion last week.
The home invasion took place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the rabbi's home on Hilton Street in Southfield.
University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono said a group of Jewish students and a local rabbi were gathered for dinner when an armed individual entered through an open backdoor, stole a bag, and ran off.
"I’m taking everything, give me everything," the burglar said when he grabbed the items and left before police arrived.
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Barren spoke on Monday about the break-in, saying that suspect was wearing distinct clothes – a black and orange hoodie, black pants, and a black ski mask. However, his eyes and nose were visible through the mask.
The man was spotted running into a home about half of a mile away from the break-in. Police surrounded the home but he was able to escape before it was surrounded. A female friend of the suspect said he had not been at the home since 9 p.m. but Barren said that wasn't true.
Barren said the woman said she drove the suspect to a home in Oak Park. At that home, a man in a black and orange hoodie was spotted going inside around 10:49 p.m., 9 minutes after the robbery.
Police tracked the suspect to a home in Detroit on Sunday and, just after 8 p.m., took him into custody near Telegraph and Puritan.
Barren identified the suspect as 18-year-old Bryson Trice. He's been charged with armed robbery and home invasion, with additional charges pending. Trice is being held on a $750 cash/surety bond.
Last week, Southfield Police said they believed the crime to be one of opportunity and not a targeted crime.
Barren confirmed that again on Monday, saying there is no evidence to suggest it was an antisemitic act.
"The evidence does not lead us to any direct antisemitism but the investigation continues, Barren said.
The chief said Trice does not have any criminal history but said it's possible he's just never been caught.
"You don't graduate to armed robbery," Barren said. "Generally, people take steps before being so bold and brazen."
Ono said the home invasion took place during a time marked by "innumerable events locally and globally that have felt overwhelming and unsettling to many in our community."
"As tensions in the Middle East have escalated in recent days, it is more important than ever that we work collectively to offer solace and safety to one another," Ono said in a statement. "The university is absolute in its pledge to do whatever it can to protect and care for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. I also urge each of you to be proactive in prioritizing your mental health and well-being, and to take time to reach out to friends and colleagues."