Robber steals cash and gun from Detroit judge

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A Detroit judge robbed on her way to church - the thief threatened to shoot her,  then snatched her purse and ran off.

The suspect got away with $200 and her gun. Police says it happened around 8 a.m. Sunday morning - Judge Margie Braxton picking up a friend for church at Cherboneau Place in the Lafayette Park area.

Braxton went around to the passenger seat so that her friend could drive and  instead a man jumped into the driver's seat and grabbed her purse.

"(He demanded) that she let it go, there was quite a struggle going on there for some time he was screaming yelling at her," Second Deputy Chief Michael Woody, Detroit police. "He was referencing that he would shoot her, but he never really does produce a gun."

But he does imply he has a gun and he runs off with the purse. Inside was the judge's gun, her cellphone, her personal information and cash. Fortunately she wasn't hurt.

The suspect is described as 6 feet tall, 190 pounds, clean shaven with a short afro between 30 and 35 years old.

Colleagues describe Judge Braxton as dedicated, compassionate and caring - even with defendants like the man who threatened her - and stole her purse.

Detroit police say they know who they're looking for and it's just a matter of time before this guy is in custody.

"We have been speaking with the community in that neighborhood," Woody said. "He also left behind some evidence so I will tell him right now - it would be best that you turn yourself in at your nearest precinct. We are coming for you.

"He will be captured very shortly and most likely will be going to jail for a very long time. He needs to turn himself in - it would be in his best interest."