Man Identified in Fatal Robbery Attempt at Dayton Dollar General
The man involved in an attempted robbery at a Dayton Dollar General store, which ended in his death, has been identified as 23-year-old Roosevelt Rappley, according to Montgomery County Coroner Kent Harshbarger. The incident took place around 6:20 p.m. and resulted in Rappley’s demise at approximately 6:27 p.m. The exact manner and cause of death are yet to be determined.
Armed Robbery and Self-Defense
Reports indicate that a man in his 20s entered the Dollar General located at 2228 North Gettysburg Avenue, brandishing a gun and demanding money. However, a clerk at the store, who was armed, took action. In self-defense, the clerk pulled out their own firearm and shot the suspect. Subsequently, the suspect left the store but collapsed outside the front doors. The individual was later identified as Roosevelt Rappley.
According to Lt. Jason Hall, the police were already familiar with Rappley due to a pending weapons charge. Lt. Hall also mentioned the possibility of Rappley’s involvement in other commercial robberies. Investigations are ongoing to establish any potential connections.
Evidence Examination and Firearms Involved
Witnesses present during the incident reported that Rappley had entered the store, brandished a handgun, and demanded money from the register. However, it was an armed employee who confronted Rappley, despite not being stationed at the register. Witnesses recounted Rappley pointing the gun at the employees.
A man who called 911 to report the incident stated that he had been confronted by the suspect with a gun and acted in self-defense. The caller explained, “He pointed a gun at me. I had a firearm on me. I pulled my firearm and I shot him in self-defense.” The caller also mentioned that the suspect had fired back, but the exact number of shots exchanged remains unclear.
Detectives are currently examining the evidence and ballistics from the scene to determine the number of shots fired and the firearms involved. Dollar General has not confirmed or denied whether employees are permitted to carry firearms, emphasizing their commitment to safety and security measures.
In response to the incident, Dollar General released a statement that neither confirmed nor denied their policy on armed employees. The company stated, “To protect the integrity of these measures, we do not comment on them specifically. We are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding this evening’s events in Dayton, Ohio, and are cooperating with local authorities in their investigation.”
Private Property and Surveillance Video
Addressing the legality of the employee possessing a weapon, Lt. Hall clarified that the employee did not need a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit since Dollar General is considered private property. He stated, “As far as the employee at Dollar General, he was legally possessing a weapon. He was on private property at his place of employment.”
The Dayton police have decided not to release the surveillance video of the incident, stating that it will not be made available to the public.
Ongoing Investigation into Dollar General Robbery Attempt
The investigation into the attempted robbery at the Dayton Dollar General store continues as law enforcement reviews evidence and gathers more information about the suspect, Roosevelt Rappley. As the case develops, updates will be provided regarding any potential links to other criminal activities and the determination of the cause of death.
Please stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.