AUBURN HILLS, MI — A knife-wielding robbery suspect who threatened police officers and triggered a manhunt at Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall is now sitting in the Oakland County Jail facing life-level felony charges.
According to the Auburn Hills Police Department, officers were called around 7:30pm on January 27 to the mall after multiple 911 calls reported a white male armed with a knife robbing two retail stores. Officers located the suspect in the parking lot still armed. When confronted, he threatened to harm officers, jumped into a vehicle, and fled the scene. A police pursuit was started but quickly terminated when it became too dangerous for the public.
A regional BOLO was issued as detectives continued working the case. About two hours later, at 9:30 pm, officers tracked the suspect to a residence in Waterford Township, where Ryan David Kissel, 29, was taken into custody without further incident and lodged at the Oakland County Jail. Police confirmed no injuries were reported during the mall robberies.
On January 28, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office authorized seven felony charges against Kissel:
- Armed Robbery (2 counts)
- Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer
- Felonious Assault
- Resisting a Police Officer
- Obstructing a Police Officer (2 counts)
Under Michigan law, the armed robbery charges alone carry potential life sentences.
Kissel was arraigned on January 29 before Magistrate Marie Soma in 52-3 District Court. He was given a $250,000 cash-only bond, ordered to wear a GPS tether, and is banned from returning to Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall. He remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.
Police credited Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall Security and the Waterford Police Department for their coordinated response that led to Kissel’s arrest, calling the teamwork between private security and law enforcement “instrumental” in resolving the case safely.
Anyone who witnessed the robberies or has information is asked to contact the Auburn Hills Police Department at 248-370-9460.
As in all criminal cases, Kissel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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