Armed Robbery in Benton Harbor Leads to Arrest of the Suspect and the Recovery of a Stolen Handgun

Armed Robbery in Benton Harbor Leads to Arrest of the Suspect and the Recovery of a Stolen Handgun
On 02-12-14 at approximately 9:30pm, an armed robbery occurred in the area of Lavette and Clay in the city of Benton Harbor. The victim reported that he was robbed at gun point by a masked assailant. The victim was identified as Lamont Hankins. Hankins stated an unknown male subject wearing a distinct mask, approached him at gunpoint and demanded money. The perpetrator then reached into Hankins pockets and stole $42.00 in cash from him. (two $20.00 and two $1.00). The suspect then fled the scene on foot S/B with the victim’s money and the handgun in which he was armed.
Responding BHDPS officers immediately began a search of the area. PSO Craig Kidney discovered the suspect at Empire and Pavone. The suspect then fled on foot in an attempt to evade arrest. PSO Kidney, PSO Justin Kotecki and PSO Brent Kotecki all gave chase to the suspect. The perpetrator was soon after apprehended behind a house in the 900 block of Pavone. Officers found the suspect to be in possession of a fully loaded 22 caliber revolver as well as the unique mask described by the victim. The suspect was identified as RYAN TRENNEL BOARD, BM DOB 01-13-95. Officers also recovered from BOARD the victims stolen cash, (in the same denominations as described - two $20.00 and two $1.00). Police conducted an on scene show-up of the suspect and Mr. Hankins immediately identified BOARD as the person who robbed him at gun point.
Additionally, it was later discovered that the handgun that BOARD possessed had been reported as stolen out of Benton Township PD. BOARD was ultimately lodged in the Berrien County Jail on the following charges:
1. Armed Robbery
2. Resisting and Obstructing Police Officers
3. Carrying a Concealed Weapon
4. Possession of Stolen Property
5. Possessing a Firearm while in the Commission of a Felony