Des Moines man caught red-handed robbing Cedar Rapids gas station at knifepoint

CEDAR RAPIDS – A Des Moines man was caught in the act as he attempted to rob a Cedar Rapids gas station at knifepoint.

Trent William Allen Richard, age 19, was arrested for Robbery-1st Degree, Theft-2nd Degree, Interference with Official Acts, and a warrant from Polk County for theft after an attempt to rob a Cedar Rapids gas station.

On Friday, May 14 at 4:34 AM, two Cedar Rapids Police officers were on routine patrol and pulled into the parking lot of the Kum & Go, 1420 Mt. Vernon Road SE. The 19-year old male convenience store clerk waved officers down and advised he was just robbed by a male subject with a knife and he believed the suspect was still inside the store. Officers pulled their squad vehicle to the front of the store and both officers observed the suspect the clerk described behind the counter inside the store holding a box. The suspect saw the officers and took off running westbound through the store. Officers advised dispatch they were in pursuit of a robbery suspect and gave verbal commands for the suspect to stop, however the suspect fled on foot out of the store. While running, the suspect dropped the box, which contained several cartons of cigarettes totaling approximately $1,600. The suspect also threw the knife and continued to attempt to run from officers. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit and apprehended the suspect in front of 813 15th Street SE.

The suspect was identified as Trent Richard of Des Moines, Iowa. He was arrested and transported to the Linn County Correctional Center.