×

Armed men evade Alpena police

News File Photo

ALPENA — Two men considered armed and dangerous evaded Alpena police Tuesday morning, though two handguns apparently discarded by the men were found on Miller Street, according to police.

At about 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to a news release from the Alpena Police Department, two men forced their way into a home on the 400 block of South 2nd Avenue and held several victims at gunpoint, allegedly demanding valuables and then beating a male victim in the head with a handgun.

The Alpena Fire Department transported at least one person to MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena with unspecified injuries, according to the news release. The release did not specify who was transported.

The assailants fled in a gray car, which police soon spotted speeding on Chisholm Street. An officer followed the car down Johnson Street until it stopped near the intersection of Ford Avenue and Miller Street. The two men jumped out and eluded police by climbing a fence bordering Decorative Panels International.

Police searched using both a K-9 unit and drone surveillance, but had not captured the men by late Tuesday morning. The men should be considered dangerous, police said.

Police described the men as Black males, one in his late 20s with a large, red “GR” tattoo on the front of his neck.

The News could not reach city police for information throughout most of Tuesday morning.

As of Tuesday evening, police had not reported any arrest in the incident, and no new bookings were recorded on the Alpena County Jail website. The investigation was ongoing as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to a second news release from Alpena Police Chief Joel Jett, who said additional information would be released when police believe it to be appropriate.

“We currently do not believe the community is in any immediate danger,” Jett said in the second release.

Jett notified a local radio news outlet during Tuesday’s early hours that the men were on the loose and considered dangerous, but did not alert other media outlets until the press release sent out at 10 a.m. Jett told The News he wanted to alert the public quickly and did not think of The News’ website and social media reach.

The Michigan State Police and the Alpena County Sheriff’s Department also responded.

Some county residents received an automated notification from police early Tuesday warning residents about the police search and cautioning them to call 911 if the wanted men appeared.

The automated alert went to residents of Alpena County who have signed up for both Smart 911 and the RAVE alert system. The message was sent via either home or cell phone, depending on notification options chosen by residents when they signed up for the service, according to Mark Hall, Alpena County emergency services coordinator.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today