Three Arrested After Store Clerk Tipped Off Eagan Police About Robbery

Eagan police officers were able to stop an attempted convenience store robbery after a clerk at the store, forewarned by one of the suspected thieves, told police about the impending crime.

Maurice Anthony Brooks, of Minneapolis; Christa Judith Wong, of Eagan; and James Edward Stevenson III, of Eagan, all face one felony count of attempted aggravated robbery in the second degree, according to criminal complaints filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office. If convicted, the three could face a maximum of 15 years in prison and $30,000 in fines.

Police first learned about the planned robbery when a clerk employed at a
at a gas station and convenience store on the 3300 block of Coachman Road in Eagan came forward.

The clerk told police he was approached late in May by another man, identified as "Don." Don told the clerk that he and several others planned to rob the store during the clerk's shift on Saturday, May 25, and offered to cut the clerk in on the profits, according to police. The clerk told police that Don also showed him a trunk full of guns, and that several of the suspects had cased the store for security cameras earlier that day.

Tipped off, Eagan police posted officers in the area at 7 p.m on May 25. While conducting surveillance, police spotted a 2002 Dodge Caravan, driven by Wong, pull up to the gas pumps. Police watched as two men, later identified as Stevenson and Brooks, left the car to talk with the clerk. After a short conversation, police say the two returned to the vehicle and left.

At that point, the clerk called the officers and told them that Brooks and Stevenson said the robbery would occur in 30 minutes.

At approximately 8 p.m., the vehicle returned to the gas station, and Brooks and Stevenson again stepped out of the vehicle, while Wong remained in the van. Police say Stevenson moved into a treeline near the store, while Brooks stood out and appeared to be acting as a lookout.

Believing that the robbery was about to occur, police ambushed the group, apprehending Stevenson. Police say Brooks fled on foot to the van, discarding a handgun before he and Wong attempted to leave the area. Police stopped the van as it turned onto Yankee Doodle Road, and arrested Wong and Brooks.

Officers later located the gun, a Umarex XBG .177 Caliber C02 pistol. Police also obtained a recording of Brooks and Stevenson's conversation with the clerk. During the recording, police say Brooks told the clerk he would be coming into the store by himself with an unloaded gun.

Officers also interviewed the three suspects. Wong acknowledged driving the van, but allegedly denied knowing anything about the robbery plans. Stevenson also denied being involved in the robbery. Brooks admitted speaking with the clerk and throwing away the gun, but he claimed he was only using the weapon to shoot mailboxes and birds.

Stevenson and Brooks are currently being held in the Dakota County Jail on a $175,000 bail.