Man arraigned on armed robbery charges in Escanaba

ESCANABA — Mark James Wilson, 59, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was arraigned on charges of armed robbery in the 94th District Court of Delta County. Wilson is currently held on $500,000 bond in the Delta County Jail.

On July 9th, 2019, Escanaba Public Safety Officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Hardee’s in the city of Escanaba. Officers cleared the restaurant and attempted to make contact with Wilson, who was believed to be in the men’s bathroom. After several commands to exit the bathroom, Wilson came out and was placed under arrest. Through their investigations, detectives determined that Wilson passed a note to a Hardee’s employee that referenced him having a gun and asked for money to be brought to him in the men’s bathroom. Employees were able to call 911 after Wilson went into the bathroom.

Prosecutor Brett Gardner praised the quick thinking on the part of the Hardee’s employees in seeking help as quickly as possible. “The employees’ calm and quick response to this terrifying situation allowed police to arrive quickly and detain the suspect without anyone getting hurt.” Gardner also praised the fast and effective response on the part of law enforcement.

Wilson was previously convicted in the Delta County Circuit Court in 2009 for the Unarmed Robbery of Arby’s.

Escanaba Public Safety was assisted by Michigan State Police and the Delta County Sheriff’s Department. Wilson is considered innocent until proven guilty.