Man Charged With Kidnapping, Robbery At Shoe Store
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 37-year-old Minneapolis man has been charged with robbery and kidnapping in connection with last week's hostage situation at a Coon Rapids shoe store.
The incident happened at about 8:45 p.m. at a Payless Shoes on the 8500 block of Springbrook Drive Northwest last Thursday evening.
Employees told investigators that a man, later identified as Benjamin Elmer Flanders, entered the store and demanded money from them. The alarm was tripped at the store, and police arrived just as Flanders was trying to leave.
Police said they saw him leave the store before ducking back inside.
Investigators say that Flanders then held the employees hostage, taping one's hands together and hitting him in the head.
After telephone negotiations with police officers, Flanders eventually surrendered.
"Law enforcement did an outstanding job containing a dangerous situation," Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo said. "Thankfully, no one was killed or seriously injured."
Bail was set at $250,000. Flanders' next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 18.