Inver Grove Heights Verizon Store Clerk Shoots Robber: Police

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN — Police in the southeast metro say they're investigating after a Verizon store clerk shot and injured a robbery suspect Thursday morning. Authorities believe the robbery was not a random act.

On Aug. 17 just after 11 a.m., the Inver Grove Heights Police Department was dispatched to the Verizon store in the 9000 block of Cahill Avenue on an armed robbery in progress. When the officers were responding, dispatch indicated shots had been fired and at least one person had been shot.

Upon arrival, responding officers located an unidentified male with multiple gunshot wounds in the rear of the store. Officers, along with Inver Grove Heights fire/rescue personnel, rendered first aide until an ambulance arrived and transported the male to Regions Hospital for treatment.

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During the preliminary investigation, police discovered multiple gunshots were fired inside the business. Authorities say it appears the store clerk was approached in the rear of the store by two males, one of them brandishing a firearm.

While being held at gunpoint, the clerk drew his own gun from his waistband and shot the male, police said. Authorities say the firearm used in the robbery was recovered at the scene.

When the shots were fired, the second male suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, according to a news release.

With the assistance of the South St. Paul Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, and the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, the immediate area was checked and the second male was not located.

This case is actively being investigated, with one person currently in custody at Regions Hospital. If anyone has information regarding this incident, police ask you contact the Inver Grove Heights Police Department at (651) 450-2525.

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