What started as a good deed turned into a terrifying moment for a 57-year-old man who stopped to help a group of young people in a broken-down vehicle.
The incident happened earlier this month. Investigators say the victim allowed four people into his vehicle after seeing them in a broken-down car. That’s when prosecutors say he was ambushed and car-jacked.
One suspect ripped out his dashcam, raising suspicions. The victim left the car with his keys and ran to the median.
That’s when, according to prosecutors, 18-year-old David Banks allegedly pulled out a-gun, demanded the keys, and threatened to shoot him. The man handed them over, and the group fled with his van, wallet, and phone.
“All he was doing was his normal daily routine, just trying to help, when he got robbed at gunpoint,” Prosecutors told the court. The man was a Lyft driver.
Michigan State Police led the investigation, using technology and witness accounts to track the suspects. Search warrants turned up two stolen Glocks — one hidden behind drywall — along with an extended drum magazine.
A witness later identified Banks and 18-year-old Brandon Jarell Hall as allegedly being part of the incident, telling police both were armed and that Hall was the one who drove off in the stolen van.
Banks admitted to being involved but told troopers he only had an airsoft pistol. Prosecutors dispute that claim.
Both Banks and Hall were arraigned in the 36th District Court, and bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety each.
