Accused Mini-Serv Robber Incompetent to Face Charges

ST. CLOUD -- A Kimball man has been found incompetent to face the aggravated robbery charge against him. A Stearns County judge has ruled 55-year-old Earl York is incapable of aiding in his defense and the charges are suspended until he can be restored to competency.

York was arrested in June after allegedly robbing the St. Augusta Mini-Serv convenience store.

Court records allege an employee found York crouched behind the counter and taking money from the register. The worker tried to keep him inside the store as he called 911 but York threatened to shoot him as he made a motion towards his waistband.

Police say York then ran from the store.

Store surveillance video showed York taking a bottle of liquor and cash. The video also showed him get into a blue minivan. The van was registered to a group home north of Kimball.

Deputies say they found York at that home but say he was uncooperative, had barricaded himself in a room, and threatened to hurt himself. Deputies eventually forced their way into the room and tased him.

During the jail intake process, cash was found hidden in York's clothing. Deputies also used a search warrant at the home and found an empty bottle of liquor matching the description of what was taken from the store.