Details emerge in machete robberies

RIVERTON (WNE) — More details have emerged in the machete robbery and attempted robberies last week that prompted a swell of police response and resulted in the arrest of three teens within 24 hours of the alleged crimes. 

The Riverton Police Department responded to back-to-back calls reporting robberies at three gas stations beginning early in the morning of Wednesday, June 25. 

The first call came in from the Maverik, where store director Deb Stracke said a single perpetrator armed with a machete entered the store at 3:51 a.m. He reportedly walked into the back kitchen area and encountered one of three employees at the store there; the two walked back up to the front and the armed suspect quickly grabbed cash and left. 

The RPD was called to the scene at 4 a.m., and while officers worked that call, dispatch received a hold-up alarm and another call reporting a second robbery at the Loaf N Jug, then shortly after got a third call reporting yet another attempted robbery at Bailey’s Pit Stop. 

Police had three teens ages 14 and 15 in custody within a matter of hours on potential charges of aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. 

Pit Stop owner Mike Bailey shared that there, the suspect didn’t walk away with cash, but rather, ran for the hills.

“My employee confronted him with a stick and strong words and he was gone in less than 30 seconds,” Bailey said. “It was unproductive for him, but it turned out very well.” 

“One of your employees, rather than just kind of responding I guess the way some people would, which is ‘Sure, here’s the money from the till, who cares,’ armed herself quickly,” said Riverton Mayor Tim Hancock.

“Naturally we have law enforcement for a reason and we appreciate them, but also we have a right to defend ourselves,” added Hancock. “And man, just how quickly she acted – that was impressive.” 

This story was published on July 5, 2025.