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Clerk Grabs Gun During Gas Station Robbery

During an early morning robbery in Sioux Falls, a gas station clerk grabbed the gun from a robber. It was the second robbery in as many hours, and authorities suspect the same person is responsible for both crimes.

Officer Sam Clemens with the Sioux Falls Police Department says a man first threatened a gas station clerk with a gun at about 3:45 Monday morning. He got away from the Get N Go on North Cliff Avenue with cash.

Clemens says officers think the same man tried to rob another Get N Go on Louise Avenue less than two hours later.

“The suspect then showed the handgun to the clerk, and I believe the handgun was still in the waistband and the clerk actually grabbed it," Clemens says. "The two of them were struggling over the gun and eventually the clerk was able to get hold of the gun and then the suspect left."

Clemens says fighting back isn’t as safe as cooperating when someone makes threats.

“Well, it worked out. I guess I don’t know if it was the right thing. We always tell people the property can be replaced,” Clemens says. “If you have somebody that’s presenting a weapon – whether it’s a knife or a gun or even threatening one of those things – to give them the cash and we can deal with that later. It’s always risky when you’re confronting somebody and challenging them when they’re displaying a weapon.”

Clemens says it’s rare that someone robs two places back-to-back. He says police often see criminals hit one business or target multiple businesses days or weeks apart.

Both gas stations have surveillance video. Authorities say they are searching for a white man in his early 20s. Officials say the clerks at both stations described the same man, including his clothing and material used as a mask.

Kealey Bultena grew up in South Dakota, where her grandparents took advantage of the state’s agriculture at nap time, tricking her into car rides to “go see cows.” Rarely did she stay awake long enough to see the livestock, but now she writes stories about the animals – and the legislature and education and much more. Kealey worked in television for four years while attending the University of South Dakota. She started interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting in September 2010 and accepted a position with television in 2011. Now Kealey is the radio news producer stationed in Sioux Falls. As a multi-media journalist, Kealey prides herself on the diversity of the stories she tells and the impact her work has on people across the state. Kealey is always searching for new ideas. Let her know of a great story! Find her on Facebook and twitter (@KealeySDPB).