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Hastings Police: Knife-Wielding Robbery Suspect Caught On Tape

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hastings Police are hoping that surveillance video will help catch a man who used a knife to rob a gas station Wednesday morning.

At 5:09 a.m., Hastings police officer responded to the M&H gas station at Vermillion and 15th streets on the report of an armed robbery.

Police said store clerks were confronted by a knife-wielding man who demanded the employees give him money from the registers. After leaving the store, the suspect fled on a BMX-style bicycle.

No one was injured.

The suspect is described as a white male, taller than 5-foot-1, with hair growth on his chin and short black hair. He was wearing a black long-sleeved top with emblems on the left chest, left upper arm and back. He was also wearing a pair of sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and a white bandana covering his face.

"Robberies such as this are somewhat rare because of the increased use of video surveillance systems, rapid police response, and emerging technologies," Hastings Police Chief Paul Schnell said. "We hope release of the surveillance will lead to identification of this suspect whose actions were clearly threatening and reckless."

Anyone with information about the possible identity or whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call the Hastings Police Department at 651-480-2300.

Tips can also be anonymously provided by texting the keyword HASTINGS to Tip411 (847411) or by calling Minnesota CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Hastings Knife Robbery 5/22/13
(credit: Hastings Police)
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