Clerk thwarts attempted robbery at liquor store

BONNE TERRE — Three people are in custody after an attempted robbery at the RB’s Liquor Store Tuesday afternoon.

According to a press release from the Bonne Terre Police Department, a store clerk told police that at about 4 p.m. a truck occupied by three adults and a child pulled into the drive-through. The clerk said a female passenger handed the male driver a pistol and the driver then pointed it at the clerk, demanding money.

The clerk said she recognized both people and told them she was calling police. The truck then left.

The clerk wrote down the license plate number and gave police a description of the vehicle. A short time later, Officers Chad Brown and Troy Inserra received information that the suspect vehicle was seen driving south on B Street.

Officers immediately responded to the area and found the vehicle parked at a residence on B Street.

Bonne Terre supervisors, and officers from Desloge, Terre Du Lac, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to assist the officers. Police surrounded the residence, ordering them to surrender.

The press release states all three adults complied and came out voluntarily without incident. The weapon reportedly used in the incident was found inside. Brown said they also found pills, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Two of the three people confessed to being involved in the robbery attempt. They were all taken to the county jail.

Formal charges have not been filed at this time so their names are not being released. Police will be asking the prosecutor to file charges of robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, tampering with evidence and endangering the welfare of a child.

Brown said the adults do have criminal histories. Police say the man who they believe pointed the gun at the clerk was recently arrested in Bonne Terre after he was found in possession of meth-related materials.

The child who was in the vehicle and one or two other children were placed with other relatives but the Children’s Division was contacted.

Police said the house on B Street had several animals, and animal feces and space heaters that were near clothing.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.