Detroit man charged in fake fire inspector thefts

A Detroit man who allegedly robbed two city gas stations while posing as an official from the Detroit Fire Department was criminally charged Thursday by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Worthy charged Shawn Daniel Ellesin, 45, in connection with two gas station robberies in the past month.

The first robbery took place around 8 a.m. June 20 at a gas station on East State Fair. Ellesin allegedly identified himself as a fire extinguisher inspector and a clerk allowed the suspect behind the safety glass of the gas station to conduct an alleged inspection. While behind the secured area of the gas station, Ellesin allegedly pick up a firearm, placed it in his pocket and left the business. The incident, according to the prosecutor, was captured on surveillance video.

Ellesin has been charged with larceny of a firearm, larceny in a building, felon in possession, felony firearm and impersonating a firefighter. He was scheduled for arraignment in 36th District Court Thursday.

About three weeks later, Ellesin allegedly robbed a gas station in the 4000 block of Woodward around 9 a.m. July 12 where he is accused of presenting himself as a fire extinguisher inspector to the gas station’s clerk who gave the suspect access to the equipment. Ellesin allegedly took cash from the gas station’s office and left. The incident was also captured on surveillance video.

Ellesin also faces larceny in a building and impersonation of a firefighter in the Woodward robbery. He was also scheduled for an arraignment Thursday in 36th District Court for the Woodward robbery.

bwilliams@detroitnews.com

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