By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD — The man who allegedly tried to rob a Rockford discount store at gunpoint Sunday night took hostages, according to police.

Authorities say at about 9 p.m., Feb. 10, officers responded to report of a robbery in progress at the Dollar Tree, 6340 E. State St. A man armed with a handgun entered the store, grabbed two female employees, one who is older than 60, and ordered them to get on the floor.

The suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Stanley Turner held the women at gunpoint inside the store office while he counted money. He then allowed them to leave the building as officers were positioned outside.

Police say Turner refused to exit the store for several hours. Officers made numerous attempts to make contact with him before sending in a Rockford Police K-9 officer, who located Turner hiding in a loft. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Turner is charged with armed robbery, aggravated battery to a senior citizen, two counts of unlawful restraint, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. He is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail. Initial bond has been set at $500,000. Turner is scheduled to make his first court appearance March 14.

No injuries were reported. R.