Investigators say the men used a stolen vehicle and a realistic airsoft gun to threaten store employees at three Ramsey County gas stations within just over three hours. The first robbery happened around 5:56 a.m. at a Speedway in Roseville. At 8:34 a.m., all three allegedly robbed a BP in Little Canada, and about 30 minutes later, another BP station in Roseville was targeted.
During the final robbery, prosecutors say one suspect demanded a cashier’s wallet. When the cashier resisted and tried to grab the gun, the suspect struck the employee in the head, causing a cut and a burst blood vessel in the eye.
Police quickly located the suspects’ vehicle, leading to a chase that ended in a crash in Saint Paul. One suspect was arrested immediately, while the other two fled into nearby woods. The pursuit unfolded as crews prepared for the Minnesota State Fair, prompting an emergency alert at 10:20 a.m. instructing people to avoid the fairgrounds. The area was shut down until a second alert later declared it safe. Officers eventually arrested all three suspects.
“The State Fair is one of Minnesota’s most cherished traditions… These defendants brought violence to that celebration with their armed robbery spree,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said in a statement. “Anyone who does that will see federal charges.”
All three suspects made their first appearances in federal court on Tuesday and remain in custody. If convicted, they each face up to life in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian Weir. The investigation involved the FBI, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Fair Police Department, Roseville Police Department, and St. Anthony Police Department.
For more details on federal robbery statutes, visit the U.S. Code: Hobbs Act.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
