By By BEN RAYMOND LODE / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- A man holding cash visible in his hand was punched in the face and robbed outside the Standard Federal Bank in Niles on Tuesday.
The victim, a 54-year-old man from Niles, walked out from the bank when the suspect, Duane A. Davenport, 23, 1701 Bond St., Niles, allegedly approached him and grabbed the money before throwing the punch.
A Niles City Police Department press release calls the incident, which occurred at 12:50 p.m., a strong armed robbery.
After taking the money, Davenport allegedly fled the scene running eastbound and up a hill.
The victim, who wasn't seriously injured, gave chase but was unable to keep up with Davenport.
A Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service employee was in the area, witnessed the chase and observed the victim's injuries.
SMCAS called the police for assistance and officers located Davenport approximately five blocks from the scene, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Davenport is being held without bond at the Niles City Jail and will be arraigned today at the South County Court House in Niles.
In other police reports:
Dennis Wayne Evans, 40, 222 Williams St., South Bend, Ind., was arrested after officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Broadway Street for subjects panhandling, the police report said.
Evans, who was driving a vehicle when he was pulled over, was asked by the officers to step out of the car with his passengers.
Under the drivers seat, the officers allegedly found what appeared to be a glass crack pipe with residue.
Evans was arrested and transported to the Niles City Police Department where he was booked and lodged with no bond.
Brandon Miller, 18, 1610 North 11th St., Niles, was arrested after a officer stopped the vehicle he was a passenger of failed to come to a complete stop at the intersection of Broadway and East Main Street, the police report said.
The officers made contact with the driver and subsequently asked all passengers to step out.
Miller, was patted down and the officer found a bag on him containing what appeared to be marijuana.
Miller was then placed under arrest and transported to the Niles City Police Department where he was booked and lodged with a $100, which he later posted and was released.