2 Men Face Charges in El Charro Armed Robbery

St. Clair Shores police have arrested two men whom they believe were involved in the Aug. 11 armed robbery of the El Charro restaurant.

Robert Gutch, 21, of St. Clair Shores, a former employee of the restaurant, and Milo Johnson, 30, of Eastpointe, have been arraigned in 40th District Court on armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and felony firearm charges. If convicted, they both could face up to life in prison.

St. Clair Shores Police Lt. David Centala said the arrests followed weeks of intense police work led by Det. Gordon Carrier.

"Det. Carrier showed a lot of tenacity, constantly working the case," Centala said of the investigation that included extensive interviews with witnesses.

Gutch, who was arrested and arraigned Oct. 10, is being held on $50,000 bond in the Macomb County County Jail. Johnson, who was arrested and arraigned Oct. 12, is being held in the Macomb County Jail on $250,000 bond.

According to police reports, employees were closing for the night when the two suspects came rushing in, and Johnson pointed a handgun at employees and ordered them to the floor.

The men went to the safe, but it was locked, and they fled without getting any money. The men were dressed in black shirts and pants, and were also wearing ski masks.

Gutch will have a pre-exam conference in 40th District Court on Oct. 19, and Johnson will have his pre-exam conference Oct. 23.