Camera Captured Attack of Rochester Gas Station Worker

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A man with a record of domestic assault-related convictions was caught on camera attacking a clerk at a Rochester gas station.

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Monday. The court document says the alleged attack occurred last week.

A witness told Rochester Police that they saw two vehicles transporting seven people arrive at an unnamed gas station in southeast Rochester on April 11.

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The individuals then went inside of the store and one of them was seen going around the counter where began assaulting one of the store’s employees, the complaint says.

The alleged assailant is seen punching the employee in the head and calling the worker derogatory names. Surveillance footage that captured the incident indicates he was one of three people who went behind the store’s counter, according to the court filing.

Roberts complaint. Olmsted County Court

The charges do not state the medical condition of the convenience store employee.

Officers identified the alleged attacker as 21-year-old Romel Dearion Roberts of Rochester. Police found and arrested him on the day after the alleged attack.

Roberts. Olmsted County Court

The charges say Roberts was wearing a fanny pack that contained a loaded .45 caliber pistol at the time of his arrest.

Roberts Complaint. Olmsted County Court

Roberts was charged Monday with felony counts of fifth-degree assault and third-degree riot along with a gross misdemeanor weapons violation charge. A judge set his bail at $40,000 without conditions.

Court records indicate Roberts was convicted of domestic violence-related offenses in two cases last June. He was also convicted of a felony theft count in connection to a 2021 stolen firearm case in Dakota County.

Roberts is due to make his next appearance in the case later this month.