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Fred Rolland Schoenhofen, 37, of Columbiaville, was arraigned Monday by District Court Magistrate Mike Delling on charges of unarmed robbery and possession of marijuana.

Problems began around 11 a.m., as the victim, 70, was walking through the parking lot near the Subway restaurant.

"A male approached him from behind and attempted to steal his wallet from his pocket," said Lapeer City Police D/Sgt. Craig A. Gormley. "The older male attempted to hang on to his wallet. Witnesses said he was assaulted and knocked to the ground. The suspect was on top of the older man."

The incident occurred too fast for bystanders to help the man during the scuffle; they assisted him while waiting for police. The man was bruised and chose to seek medical care of his own.

The suspect fled on foot with the victim's wallet. Lapeer City Police officers, Lapeer County Sheriff's Department deputies and a canine unit assisted with the search.

"The dog located him -- Lapeer officer Shawn Broecker's dog Ali," Gormley said. "He was found on the railroad tracks, east of Saginaw Street."

If convicted, Schoenhofen, who is thought to be homeless, could spend up to 15 years behind bars for the attempted robbery and up to a year of incarceration for the marijuana charge.

The crime is not common in Lapeer, said Lapeer County Prosecuting Attorney Byron Konschuh.

"It appears to be an act of desperation," Konschuh said. "The Lapeer City Police did an excellent job of catching him so quickly."

The victim may have escaped serious physical injury, but he was emotionally harmed.

"He said he felt threatened for his life," Gormley said.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com