Suspect uses ransom notes when robbing, shooting, setting gas stations on fire

DETROIT (WJBK) - A man accused of robbing, shooting and setting on fire at least four gas stations on Detroit's west side is now in custody.

"You got me looking like I've got the deer in the headlights look -- like wow," said Michael Graham, the suspected shooter's uncle.

The suspect allegedly left a ransom note demanding $250 from two gas stations owned by the same people.

The man writes, "Take your operations elsewhere" and "Don't alert authorities."

When the owner refused, he took out an AK-47 shot up the inside of the gas station.

He then shot the outside of the building several times.

"He's a good kid, he's a good guy. Not that bad. We all go through our ups and downs in life," Graham said, saying the accusations against his nephew are surprising.