Man Convicted of Armed Robbery in Meijer Parking Lot

A Genesee County jury has found a 30-year-old man guilty of armed robbery and unlawful imprisonment related to an incident that happened last summer at a local Meijer store.

According to trial testimony, at about 2:30 a.m. on August 17, 2012, Dewayne Edward Kerperien was driving a Chevy Blazer and followed another car into the parking lot at the Meijer store on Center Road in Burton.

When the other driver exited her vehicle and began walking to the front doors of the store, Kerperien approached and pulled a gun on her and led her back to her car. Kerperien forced the victim into her car, got inside with her, and took her cell phone, keys, wallet and other items. He then exited the vehicle, got into the Blazer and drove off.

A short time later, video surveillance cameras at a nearby gas station captured images of Kerperien selling the victim's cell phone and driving away in the Blazer.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said "this type of criminal activity is a serious threat to our citizens. Fortunately, thanks to solid police work and the hard work of my staff, we were able to bring this man to justice and see that he was convicted for his actions."

Kerperien already had three prior felony convictions and now faces up to life in prison when sentenced on April 22, 2013.