Suspect Charged with Armed Robbery at Rochester Apartment Complex

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Charges have been filed against a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred earlier this month at a Rochester apartment complex.

Eighteen-year-old Dontrell Deanthony Whiteside was formally arraigned Friday in Olmsted County Court on charges of aiding and abetting first-degree aggravated robbery, aiding and abetting second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and aiding and abetting second-degree riot with a dangerous weapon. His conditional bail was set at $50,000.

Armed Robbery Reported at Rochester Apartment Complex

According to the criminal complaint in the case, Whiteside is accused of participating in an armed robbery that occurred at the Northern Heights Apartments in the 2200 block of 26th Street Northeast around 8 p.m. on May 1. The court document says Rochester police officers spoke with a victim who indicated he was robbed of shoes and shorts that he was selling on behalf of his brother.

Victim Says Suspects Stole Clothing at Gunpoint

The victim stated that he went downstairs in the apartment complex with the items and was met by two men whom he assumed were customers. He described how one of the men walked past him and then "jumped on him from behind and grabbed him," holding his arms so he could not move.

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The criminal complaint says a second man, who was standing in the doorway wearing a silver-and-gray hoodie and black pants, pulled out a gun. The victim told investigators the man holding him then threatened him and directed him to turn over the shoes and shorts, which he valued at about $260.

Surveillance Video Helps Advance Investigation

Investigators reviewed surveillance camera video and observed a black Toyota Camry entering the parking lot just before the suspects were seen entering the building. The criminal complaint says another witness saw two individuals wearing ski masks approach the apartment complex as one of them handed a gun to the other. The witness also described watching the masked individuals approach a dark-colored car and speak with someone near it before running toward the entrance of the building.

Cell Phone Data Links Teen to Robbery Scene

The charging document says investigators showed photos of the suspects to a "reliable source of information," and that person was able to identify one of the suspects as a 16-year-old male. Cell phone tracking data was obtained, and it showed the teenager's cell phone was within five meters of the robbery when it occurred. A search warrant was later obtained for his residence, where police found the shorts stolen in the robbery.

Videos Found in Cell Phone Identify Whiteside as Suspect

The criminal complaint indicates investigators found videos on the juvenile's cell phone that led to the identification of Whiteside as a suspect in the case. The court document says the video depicts a man brandishing a handgun while wearing clothing that matched the clothing worn by the suspect who pointed a gun at the robbery victim.

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Known to Police From Earlier Investigations

The court document also states that, "from investigations conducted recently by the Rochester Police Department, officers know that Whiteside has been associated with shootings and other crimes of violence similar to the armed robbery investigation." The criminal complaint also notes that when Whiteside was arrested last Wednesday, he was wearing the same shoes he allegedly wore during the robbery.

Whiteside is scheduled to make another court appearance next week.