Crystal Lake man robbed gas station clerk at knifepoint, police say

Police on Sunday arrested a 53-year-old Crystal Lake man accused of robbing a gas station clerk at knifepoint and returning to the store hours later as a customer.

Crystal Lake police responded at 1:05 a.m. Sunday to the Marathon gas station at 770 S. Virginia Road for a report of an armed robbery, according to a news release. Officers learned that a man, later identified as Dieter M. Bierwirth, entered the business with a large knife and demanded money from the clerk, according to the release.

Bierwirth is accused of threatening the clerk and holding a knife near his neck before forcefully taking the cash drawer and fleeing the business on foot, according to the release. No injuries were reported and it was not immediately clear how much money was stolen.

Crystal Lake police were again called to the gas station about 1:30 p.m. after a customer whom the clerk believed to be involved with the robbery entered the business.

Officers quickly located Bierwirth, who had fled on foot from the gas station, according to the release. Police later used a warrant to search Bierwirth's home, where they located items linking him to the robbery, according to the release.

Bierwirth is charged with armed robbery, commercial burglary, theft, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The most serious charge, armed robbery, typically is punishable by six to 30 years in prison.

He remained at the McHenry County Jail Monday morning awaiting a bond hearing, records show.