By Ron VandenBoom
A report of an armed robbery at the First Street Noon's Convenience Store shortly before 3 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, has led to the arrest of two suspects.
Capt. Mark Stolen, said Friday that officers responded to the scene and were given a description by the clerk of a suspect wearing a gray sweatshirt with a blue ski mask. The clerk also told officers that it looked as though the suspect was carrying a firearm.
Interviews were conducted and surveillance tapes obtained after the robbery and, according to Stolen, a suspect was arrested driving around Havre Wednesday Morning.
Stolen said later Wednesday morning the clerk was also brought to the Havre Police Department for additional questioning, where it was determined that enough probable cause existed to suspect the clerk was also involved in the crime.
Both men were taken to the Hill County Detention Center and the evidence was then sent to the Hill County Attorney, Dave Rice, pending charges.
Rice, said Friday that since no weapon or intimidation was used in the commission of the crime, and because only a small amount of money was involved, the men would not be charged with a felony robbery because no robbery actually occurred.
"Both men could be charged with conspiracy to commit theft," Rice said. "But that would be pretty much the same thing as theft."
The 18-year-old clerk was charged with Theft from buildings by accountability, filing false reports to law enforcement authorities, and obstructing a peace officer.
The 22-year-old accomplice was charged with theft from buildings and false reports to law enforcement authorities.
Both men are from the Havre area and most of the money has been recovered, Stolen said.
