M97 Armed Robbery – Fugitives Still on the Run
On January 3rd, 2016 at approximately 12:30 pm, a 22 year old male advised
officers from the Fraser Department of Public Safety that he was robbed while at
the M97 motel in Fraser.
He advised he met a previous girlfriend Nicole Birkenshaw who he agreed to go to the motel with. When they entered the room, Birkenshaw was texting someone. Approximately 20 minutes later, the victim answered a knock at the door. Immediately two males later identified as Joseph and Jason Culp entered. Joseph had a box cutter and Jason had a large kitchen type knife. Joseph ordered the victim to give him everything he had and then hit him in the face several times with his fists while Jason held him. He was also struck in the back of the head by Birkenshaw. They stole the victim’s shirt, shoes, hat, jewelry, cell phone and $600 cash. They fled in an older blue Cadillac.
The vehicle was later located by detectives with a flat tire in St. Clair Shores. Birkenshaw was arrested on January 6, 2016 and admitted to detectives that all three were involved. The victim also picked Joseph Culp out of a photo lineup.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Joseph and Jason Culp, contact the Fraser Department of Public Safety at (586)293-1425. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, submit a tip on Crime Stoppers website or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward. All calls are anonymous, and all rewards are paid anonymously!
Jason Culp left, Joseph Culp right