New Era man pleads ‘no contest’ to attempted unarmed robbery.

Timothy Veltman with his attorney, Julie Springstead Waltz.

By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

HART — A 31-year-old New Era man pleaded “no contest” Monday, May 23, in 27th Circuit Court to the attempted unarmed robbery of the Mitt Stop gas station in Shelby last January.

Timothy Lee Veltman, of 5650 S. Oceana Dr., was arrested on a warrant, Jan. 26, and charged with the Jan. 7 attempted unarmed robbery of the Mitt Stop, located at 269 S. State St.

Veltman faces serving five months up front of a discretionary jail term. In exchange for his “no contest” plea, district court charges of third-offense drunk driving and disturbing the peace, which he was arrested for while out on bond, were dismissed.

“The clerk made a report to Shelby police of an assailant that had entered the store; made the appearance of being armed; and demanded money from the clerk,” previously stated Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Craig Mast. The store clerk talked him out of committing the robbery, and Veltman then fled the scene with no cash.

The Shelby Police Department and Oceana County deputies then searched the area, and Mason County K-9 came to the scene to attempt to track Veltman.

The Shelby Police Department requested assistance from Oceana County detectives in the follow-up investigation. During the follow-up investigation, Shelby police and Oceana detectives were able to determine Veltman was the suspect.

Sentencing is set for July 6 at 9 a.m.