Man Charged in Dollar General Store Robbery

A 24-year-old man accused of robbing a store cashier at knife-point has been charged in a Franklin County felony complaint.

James T. Kirk, 24, who lives on the outskirts of Pacific, was charged with robbery in the first degree and armed criminal action. A $50,000 cash-only bond was set in the case.

The holdup occurred at 6:49 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Dollar General Store, 2200 West Osage St.

The manager of the store witnessed the incident in which the suspect allegedly threatened the clerk and demanded money. The manager followed the man outside as she dialed 911. Within seconds seven police cars were on the scene, including the police chief.

The crime happened at shift change so extra officers were at the station. The manager said the robber had gone toward the Cedars Subdivision.

Two police cars drove to the Cedars Subdivision where Police Chief Matt Mansell observed a man walking. He was wearing a short-sleeved red polo shirt, which was not appropriate for the cold weather, according to police.

While officers questioned the man, the clerk was brought to the scene and identified the suspect as the robber. He was taken into custody and transported to the police station, where the store manager positively identified him.

“We also watched the videotape in the store and officers were able to identify the suspect,” Chief Mansell said.

Kirk confessed to the robbery and showed officers where his coat and the money were hidden, police said. All the money was recovered.

“It was all buttoned down within minutes,” Mansell said.

It was the second armed robbery in the city in a month. The Red Wing Shoe Store, 313 East Osage St., was robbed at gunpoint Oct. 2.