Saginaw Woman Charged with Robbing Buena Vista Dollar General at Knifepoint
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, MI — June 11, 2025 — A Saginaw woman is facing serious felony charges after allegedly robbing a Dollar General store at knifepoint last week, just hours after walking away from a substance abuse treatment facility.
The incident unfolded on the morning of Friday, June 7, at the Dollar General located at 3545 Dixie Highway in Buena Vista Township. According to Detective Russ Pahssen of the Buena Vista Township Police Department, officers were called to the store shortly after 11 a.m., following reports of an armed robbery in progress.
Surveillance footage and witness accounts revealed that the woman — described by police as wearing a pink backpack — entered the store and immediately caused alarm by brandishing a large butcher knife. She allegedly threatened to kill store staff while helping herself to various items on the shelves.
“She was waving the knife around, making verbal threats, and appeared extremely agitated,” said Det. Pahssen. “Employees were understandably terrified, but thankfully no one was physically harmed during the robbery.”
Escape and Arrest
The woman fled the scene before police arrived, but investigators were able to quickly identify and locate her based on store video, eyewitness testimony, and prior knowledge of her whereabouts. Officers learned that the suspect had recently walked away from a court-ordered substance abuse treatment facility, which she was required to attend as part of a previous case.
She was taken into custody a short time later without incident and has since been lodged in the Saginaw County Jail.
Charges Filed
Prosecutors have charged the woman, whose name has not been publicly released pending formal arraignment, with several serious offenses, including:
- Armed Robbery
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Probation/Parole Violation
Authorities say additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation and review of her prior criminal record.
Community Concerns
The incident has stirred concern among Buena Vista Township residents and store employees, many of whom say the Dollar General is a regular stop for groceries and household essentials.
“It’s scary to think someone could come in with a knife in broad daylight,” said one shopper who arrived shortly after the incident. “This is usually a quiet area, but lately, it feels like crime is creeping closer to home.”
Substance Abuse and Public Safety
While the case is alarming, it also sheds light on the ongoing intersection between substance abuse, mental health challenges, and public safety. Law enforcement officials acknowledged the role that addiction and untreated mental illness may have played in the woman’s actions, but emphasized that violent behavior cannot be excused or overlooked.
“We understand that people struggle, but threatening lives with a knife and robbing a business is a line that cannot be crossed,” said Pahssen. “We’re grateful that our officers responded swiftly and that no one was hurt.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Buena Vista Township Police Department is continuing its investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has further information to contact them directly. Prosecutors say the woman is expected to be formally arraigned in Saginaw County District Court in the coming days.
For more information and continuing coverage of this developing story, read the full article here: