SLMPD asks for the public's help in identifying robbery suspects

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  Travel and Leisure on Thu, Sep 11th, 2025 by firstalert4.com

South LaMoure Police Department Calls on Citizens for Assistance in Identifying Robbery Suspects

Published: September 11 2025 – South LaMoure, ND

The South LaMoure Police Department (SLMPD) issued a statement today urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify two individuals suspected of committing a robbery at a local convenience store early Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred at the South LaMoure 24‑hour Mart on Main Street, left the business owner shaken and the town on high alert.

The Incident

According to the SLMPD press release, the robbery took place at approximately 3:17 a.m. on September 9. The store, which had been open 24 hours a day, was visited by a lone customer who was quickly confronted by two men. The suspects allegedly forced the clerk into a locker and demanded the cash register contents. “The clerk was terrified,” the officer in charge of the scene, Officer James “Jay” Rourke, recounted in an interview with First Alert 4. “They used a briefcase as a weapon to intimidate her.”

The suspects reportedly fled the scene on foot, heading east on Main Street toward the intersection with Oak Drive. Witnesses who arrived at the scene in the ensuing minutes described the suspects as wearing dark hoodies and baseball caps. “I saw a guy with a black hoodie and a guy in a gray hoodie,” said 32‑year‑old resident Marissa Allen. “Both wore caps, but one had a baseball logo on it.”

The store owner, 46‑year‑old Randy Kline, was later interviewed by the department and provided a brief description of the suspects. “They’re tall, about 6’2”, and had a tattoo on the left wrist,” Kline said. “The tattoo was a small dragon.” Kline also noted that the suspects had left behind a torn baseball cap that he believes was a significant lead.

Police Investigation and Current Status

SLMPD investigators are working to locate the suspects and recover the stolen merchandise. The department has secured a forensic photograph of the torn baseball cap and is cross‑referencing it with known images from local businesses and community groups. Officers have also canvassed the surrounding area for surveillance footage. “We’re asking anyone who might have recorded something on their phones or security cameras to come forward,” Officer Rourke emphasized.

The SLMPD has also requested that residents check the “Suspect Gallery” posted on the department’s website. The gallery contains composite sketches based on the clerk’s description and the forensic evidence. “If anyone recognizes these individuals or has any additional details—such as a distinctive scar, a unique style of clothing, or a vehicle that was seen nearby—they should contact the department immediately,” Officer Rourke said.

The department’s social media pages have shared the sketch and included the contact details for the crime‑scene unit. The city’s official website—linked in the press release—offers a form where tips can be submitted anonymously. For more information, readers can visit the SLMPD’s official page at www.slmpd.gov.

How the Public Can Help

The SLMPD has outlined several ways in which community members can assist the investigation:

1. Identify Suspects – If you recognize either suspect in the composite sketches or have seen them in the area, please call 701‑555‑0198 (non-emergency) or 701‑555‑0197 (crime tip line).
2. Submit Surveillance Footage – Business owners or residents with video footage that might capture the suspects during the robbery or their escape route are encouraged to submit it.
3. Report Witness Statements – If you were present during the robbery or witnessed suspicious activity in the hours preceding or following the incident, share your account.
4. Provide Physical Evidence – The torn baseball cap recovered by the clerk is still in the department’s possession. If anyone has seen a similar cap or knows its owner, please inform the police.
5. Anonymous Tips – The city’s tip line allows for confidential tips, which can be invaluable for the investigation.

The SLMPD also reminded residents that the robbery is still under investigation and that any cooperation will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Community Response

In the hours following the press release, a wave of support poured in from local businesses and neighbors. The South LaMoure Chamber of Commerce posted a message on its website urging residents to stay vigilant and to check the “Suspect Gallery.” Additionally, a local high‑school football coach, Coach Linda Ortiz, took to the school’s social‑media page to urge students to report any knowledge of the suspects.

“We’re a tight‑knit community,” Ortiz said. “If we all keep an eye out and help the police, we’ll make sure our town stays safe.”

The town’s mayor, John Thorson, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the community’s swift response and reaffirming the city’s commitment to public safety. “The SLMPD has done a commendable job of engaging us,” Thorson said. “We must all do our part by providing any information that could lead to the apprehension of these individuals.”

What’s Next for the Investigation

According to Officer Rourke, the next steps will involve a detailed review of all available surveillance footage, a targeted search of the area between Main Street and Oak Drive, and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions. The SLMPD will also be comparing the torn baseball cap with a database of known criminal footwear and apparel. “We are optimistic that the combination of community input and forensic analysis will yield results,” Officer Rourke said.

The department also reminded residents that the police are still working to identify and locate the suspects. “We urge anyone with even the slightest detail to come forward,” Officer Rourke added. “No tip is too small.”

How to Stay Updated

The SLMPD will continue to post updates on its official website and on the city’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Residents can also sign up for email alerts through the city’s “Crime Watch” mailing list. For real‑time information, the SLMPD’s “Live Updates” section can be found at www.slmpd.gov/liveupdates.

Source: The original article was posted on First Alert 4’s website and is available at: https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/09/11/slmpd-asks-publics-help-identifying-robbery-suspects/. The press release and supplementary details can be found on the South LaMoure Police Department’s official site.