Four ArtPrize volunteers robbed

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Five people were arrested for two armed robberies, one of which involved ArtPrize volunteers.

Police say the volunteers were walking near Wealthy Street and Fuller Avenue when a group approached them and demanded their money at around 9 p.m. Wednesday. One of the robbers had a gun. The group got away with one of the victims' purse.

"Once I saw he was pointing the gun ... it got serious," one of the victim's told 24 Hour News 8. "We backed away, let them take the purse, went our own way, called the cops immediately. We didn't want anyone to get hurt."

Less than an hour later police responded to the Lafayette Avenue and Lyon Street on a report of another armed robbery believed to have been done by the same group of people.

Police pulled over the vehicle with the suspects in it near Wealthy Street and Division Avenue. Five people were arrested including two people that are 17 or younger. Police also recovered a loaded handgun.

Investigators say all five will likely be charged with armed robbery.

All of the victims got their property back.