A Minneapolis man pointed what appeared to be a handgun at another man at a gas station and took his wallet containing about $3,000 before fleeing, prosecutors say.
Dante Emmanuel Lewis, 35, faces a charge of first-degree aggravated robbery in Hennepin County District Court.
According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to a call on Friday, July 31, after the victim reported being robbed at a gas station on the 1700 block of 21st Avenue South in Minneapolis. The victim told officers that a woman approached him and asked for help buying gas for her car. He agreed and began pouring gas into her vehicle.
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While the victim was helping, a man later identified as Lewis approached and demanded money. The complaint says Lewis pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the victim and took his wallet, which the victim said contained about $3,000. Lewis and the woman then got into the car and left the scene.
The victim provided officers with the car’s license plate number. Officers later located the vehicle and towed it. Investigators spoke with the car’s owner, who said he was out of state at the time but confirmed that Lewis had been using the car. Another known party also confirmed that Lewis was using the vehicle during this period.
According to court records, Lewis told that person he was with a woman when they ran out of gas, which was why the car was towed. The victim later participated in a photo lineup and said he was 70 percent certain that Lewis was the person who assaulted him.
Surveillance footage shows what appears to be Lewis at the gas station, as well as the car. The charge was filed Friday and Lewis is due in court for his first appearance on Monday, August 17.
About This Charge
Minnesota distinguishes simple robbery (§ 609.24, up to 10 years) from aggravated robbery (§ 609.245), where a weapon or great bodily harm is alleged. First-degree aggravated robbery carries up to 20 years; second-degree up to 15. Carjacking is charged under § 609.247.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
Minneapolis Man Accused of Armed Robbery at Golden Valley Shoe Sale • Minneapolis Man Charged in Gunpoint Robbery, Police Chase • Minneapolis Man Charged in Gunpoint Robbery and Shooting
Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
