DNA Links Man to 2010 Armed Robbery at Jared Galleria Of Jewelry

DNA evidence has helped the Utica Police arrest one of five men allegedly involved in the attempted armed robbery of the in 2010.

Kalen Edward Player, 19, of Detroit was video arraigned on charges of attempted armed robbery Tuesday by 41-A District Court Magistrate Michael Osaer, who placed a $25,000 bond on Player.

Police said that Player and three other men entered Jared's in Utica on September 22, 2010, armed with a gun, pepper spray and a crowbar, while one man waited in a getaway vehicle in the parking lot. 

One man sprayed employees with pepper spray in the jewelry store, which was open for business, while another man attempted to break open a Rolex watch display with a crowbar.

Police said the men fled empty-handed after employees screamed that the police were on the way.  

The getaway vehicle, which was reported stolen out of Detroit, was recovered a short time later at an apartment complex in Sterling Heights.

Police were able to obtain DNA of Player from latex gloves found in the vehicle, and allegedly used during the robbery.

"We’ve interviewed him (Player) and he’s made some admissions to his involvement in the crime," said Utica Police Chief Dave Faber.

The case remains open as police look for the other four suspects involved in the crime.