Kyle Degroat Charged With Attempted Robbery at Kirkwood Mall

An 18-year-old man faces a felony charge after allegedly attempting to steal alcoholic beverages from a business in the Kirkwood Mall, according to KFYR.

Kyle Degroat is accused of attempted robbery involving a dangerous weapon following an incident at Tilt Studio in Bismarck. The situation escalated from a suspected theft to a confrontation involving a knife, according to court documents.

The incident began around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday when Degroat entered the business and sat in the lobby. About 15 minutes later, a kitchen employee heard the sound of glass clinking coming from the bar area. Upon investigation, the employee found Degroat crouched behind the bar, reportedly placing White Claw beverages into a bag, KFYR reported.

When the employee confronted him, Degroat allegedly pulled out a pocket knife and pointed it at the staff member. The employee backed away and ran into the kitchen to alert others about the threat.

Law enforcement officers later recovered six White Claw beverages from a garbage bag located behind the bar. In a detail that suggests premeditation, another employee told police that Degroat had asked for a garbage bag shortly after he entered the establishment.

An officer spotted Degroat the following day while he was riding a bicycle near North 12th Street and East Main Avenue. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center.

Degroat is charged with attempted robbery-with a firearm, dangerous weapon, or destructive device, which is a felony. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 14.