(Le Mars) — Police are investigating a shooting and attempted robbery that happened at the Le Mars Hy Vee gas station. The incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Two female Hy Vee clerks were shot during the incident.
Le Mars Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte updated the media with the latest developments during a news conference held Sunday morning.
At this time the names and the ages of the victims are not being released. Vande Vegte says the victims were transported to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. He says both victims are listed in serious but stable condition.
Vande Vegte says the suspect was located in South Sioux City, Nebraska, and fatally shot himself. Vande Vegte doesn’t believe the community is in any danger since the suspect has killed himself. The Le Mars Police Chief is asking for the public’s patience during this traumatic event.
Vande Vegte says the identification of the shooter is still being confirmed. He says the suspect has ties with Le Mars.
Chief Vande Vegte says the Hy Vee convenience gas station remains closed. He says counselors have been sent to Hy Vee to visit with the employees during this traumatic experience.
Vande Vegte says the investigation is still fresh and active. He thanked all the other law enforcement regional agencies that assisted with the investigation.
Tina Potthoff, Vice President of Communications with Hy-Vee issued this statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with two of our employees who were injured this morning during an armed robbery at our convenience store. Both employees have been taken to the hospital – their names and conditions are not being released at this time. Like the rest of the Le Mars community, we are shocked and saddened by this news. Our convenience store will be closed today as police process the crime scene and gather more details about exactly what happened.”
The Le Mars Police Chief says it may be a day or two before the suspect and the two victims are identified.
Statement from Hy Vee CEO and President, Randy Edeker:
“Today has been a difficult and challenging day for our entire Hy-Vee family. The attempted robbery and senseless violence at our Le Mars Hy-Vee convenience store was shocking to the entire community. Thankfully, our two employees who were injured are recovering at a Sioux City hospital. Local authorities say the employees are in stable but serious condition. Our thoughts and prayers continue for them and their families. I want to thank our kitchen manager, who is a trained EMT, and a customer, who is a nurse, for immediately providing first aid to our two employees. We appreciate the local fire, EMT, and police department for all of their efforts.
Finally, I am also grateful for the numerous Hy-Vee employees who came in from surrounding stores to help staff the Le Mars Hy-Vee grocery store today so our hometown employees could receive the counseling services and support they needed during this difficult time. We thank the community for their support as we all try to process today’s series of events together.”
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(Le Mars) — Police are investigating an attempted robbery and shooting that happened at the Le Mars Hy Vee gas station. The incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Le Mars Police Assistant Chief Justin Daale says two Hy Vee clerks were shot during the incident.
At this time the names and the ages of the victims are not being released.
Daale says both victims have been transported to the hospital.
The Hy Vee gas station and restaurant is closed while police continue its investigation. The main grocery store of the Le Mars Hy Vee is still open.
Daale says they believe the suspect is a local resident.
Tina Potthoff, Vice President of Communications with Hy-Vee issued this statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with two of our employees who were injured this morning during an armed robbery at our convenience store. Both employees have been taken to the hospital – their names and conditions are not being released at this time. Like the rest of the Le Mars community, we are shocked and saddened by this news. Our convenience store will be closed today as police process the crime scene and gather more details about exactly what happened.”
At this time, Daale didn’t think the general community is in danger. Stay tuned to KLEM for additional updates relating to the shooting and robbery of the Le Mars Hy Vee gas station. Additional updates will also be shared on the KLEM website, www.klem1410.com.
Original Report:
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