Clerk endures persistent convenience store attack

A group of men persistently attacked a North Monroe Street convenience store Monday evening before being stopped by police and citizens. Darius L. Denmon, 18, and Darrius C. Dean, 18, both of Spokane, were taken into custody on several charges, said Spokane police Officer Kevin King. The episode began about 5:20 p.m. Monday when a man took alcohol from a Texaco gas and convenience market at 2202 N. Monroe St. and assaulted the employee after being confronted. Denmon later was identified as the suspect. A short time after the robbery, the man returned with four others. The clerk locked the door, but the man began breaking out the windows of the store to gain entry. A second male threatened the clerk to allow entry. The clerk, who had called 911 after the initial robbery, placed a second 911 call. Police arrived and apprehended a suspect. The other four fled, but citizens helped police by pointing out the direction of flight. Another man was caught and arrested. Denmon was held on charges of second-degree robbery, second-degree burglary, second-degree malicious mischief, obstructing police, resisting arrest and minor in possession of alcohol. Dean was held on charges of attempted second-degree burglary, obstructing police and minor in possession of alcohol. Police credited citizens for giving them directions to the fleeing suspects and for guarding a police car while officers struggled with a suspect.