On Thursday, Mar. 12, 2026, 47-year-old Robert T. Yarhouse was found guilty of armed robbery of a gas station in Big Rapids from 2023.

The jury returned a guilty verdict following three days in the 49th Circuit Court.

The robbery happened on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at the Admiral Gas Station located at 805 N. State Street. At approximately 6:38 a.m., officers were dispatched to the gas station for a reported armed robbery. The suspect was said to have entered the establishment, brandished a firearm, and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of currency.

Investigators quickly identified Yarhouse, a former manager of the station, as a person of interest. Upon his arrest, Yarhouse was found in possession of several hundred dollars and a firearm matching the description of the weapon used in the commission of the crime. His involvement was further substantiated by DNA evidence recovered during the investigation.

 

A photo of Yarhouse (courtesy of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety).

"We remained steadfast in our commitment to resolving this case and ensuring accountability for those responsible," stated the Lead Investigator, Det. Sgt. David Flore. "This successful prosecution was the result of a rigorous collaborative effort. We extend our gratitude to the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police, the MSP Computer Crimes Unit, the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center, and the Mecosta County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their invaluable assistance."
Yarhouse was convicted on the following charges:

• One count of Armed Robbery
• Five counts of Felony Firearm
• Two counts of Safe Breaking
• One count of Unlawful Imprisonment
• One count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• One count of Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

_{Release and photo information courtesy of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.}