Arrest made for attempted armed robbery in Dexter

DEXTER — A late-night robbery attempt ended poorly for the would-be thief at the Break Time Convenience Store in Dexter.

According to a press release issued by Dexter Police Department Chief Hank Trout, Samuel Kilbreth, 26, of Puxico was arrested after investigators reviewed video surveillance from inside and outside the store. The video showed the suspect lingering outside the business briefly before going inside and confronting an employee at 12:21 a.m. Monday, June 17. The probable cause affidavit said the employee was alone and turned away from the suspect when he pressed “what felt like a gun” into her back.

Kilbreth reportedly demanded money. The employee stated multiple times she wouldn’t give him any and then kicked him in the groin with the back of her foot. According to the report, Kilbreth struck the employee in the back with the handgun and ran from the location.

Officers responded to the scene and searched the alley outside the business, recovering a green hat and a Smith and Wesson 380 handgun, which was concealed inside a red Kansas City Chiefs hoodie. The handgun reportedly contained a fully-loaded magazine, but the chamber was empty. The employee, who had seen her assailant’s reflection, described the suspect as wearing a red sweatshirt, a hat and blue jeans.

While reviewing the surveillance video, investigators found Kilbreth matched the description. The following day, investigators printed images of Kilbreth from the video and he was identified by another officer. Investigators also contacted Kilbreth’s parole officer, who identified him as the subject in the video.

On Monday, June 17, Kilbreth was located by officers at his mother’s home in Puxico. According to the report, Kilbreth waived his rights and agreed to make a statement. During the statement, he admitted to the attempted robbery and also admitted that he had taken the handgun from his fiancee’s gun safe.

Kilbreth reportedly admitted to everything recounted by the store employee and explained the robbery was motivated by his need to pay his electric bill and provide food for his children.

Kilbreth faces felony charges of first-degree attempted robbery; armed criminal action; second-degree assault; unlawful possession of a firearm; unlawful use of a weapon; and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution.

Kilbreth is currently being held at the Stoddard County Jail with no bond.