Crime Novels Author Arrested for Alleged Robberies

The author of several crime novels has been arrested in the Detroit area. While writing criminal novels is no crime, robbing banks certainly is, and authorities believe that this is exactly what the man did.

The Man Is Believed to Have Robbed Two Banks

Dorian Trevor Sykes, who has written several crime novels, is no stranger to crime himself. His criminal record shows that he has previously served a lengthy prison sentence for robbing a bank.

Sykes has previously described himself as scarred by his sentence and unable to readapt to society. Unfortunately, he has perpetuated this view by striking again, according to the latest allegations.

Reports say that Sykes robbed two banks in the Detroit area. These included the Credit Union One in Sterling Heights, and a Chase branch in Lathrup Village. The former robbery happened on March 6. Following that, Sykes rented a white Rolls-Royce SUV, allegedly using the money from his first robbery, and committed another robbery.

According to reports, Sykes entered the second bank on March 12 and gave a clerk a note saying that he was armed and would kill everyone unless he was given money. Shortly after that, surveillance footage showed a man fitting his description drive away in a white Rolls-Royce SUV.

Sykes Was Arrested Earlier This Week

Shortly after the second robbery, authorities tracked Sykes to the MGM Grand Detroit. He fled in the luxurious white car and eventually managed to hide from his pursuers.

Sykes remained at large until his eventual arrest on Tuesday. Local authorities have yet to release details on his capture.

Prosecutors believe that, in total, Sykes stole $13,569 from the two banks. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Sykes Has a History of Crime

Sykes’ first robbery happened in 2002 when he and two accomplices robbed a Fifth Third Bank branch, stealing approximately $200,000. Three years later, the man was convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison.  

Sykes was released in 2019 and was homeless for a while before a relative took him in. Shortly after that, he committed two bank robberies.

In a letter to his judge prior to the 2019 sentencing, Sykes alleged that his 17-year sentence had left him scarred and unable to adapt to society. He was sentenced to five more years in prison and released last year.

As mentioned, Sykes is also the author of several crime novels, which include Born to Die, Going All Out, King of Detroit, and The Good Life.