Man arrested in armed robbery of video store

BANGOR – A Bangor man who apparently used a large butcher-style knife to rob a State Street video store Tuesday evening remains in Penobscot County Jail.

Dennis Moore II, 23, is accused of armed robbery after he allegedly walked into Premier Video, 250 State St., at around 9 p.m. Tuesday wielding the knife and demanding money from the clerk.

“He said, ‘I want all the money,'” said Diana Hurton, who has worked at the business for about six weeks.

When Moore got to the door to leave, Hurton, who said she feared for her life, asked him if he wanted the coins.

“He turned to say ‘no’ and that’s when I got the description,” she said.

The suspect, who was wearing a yellow jacket with a hood, also apparently threatened the clerk with bodily harm if she didn’t wait five minutes to call police.

“I waited a whole two seconds,” said Hurton. “I locked the door and then called.”

The description Hurton gave led police to Moore, said detective Sgt. Paul Kenison.

“Officer [Jim] Dearing observed him walking down Hancock Street,” he said.

When Dearing tried to stop Moore, a foot chase ensued. The chase led investigators to Birch Street, which they sealed off to traffic. More than an hour later, Moore walked out of an apartment and was arrested.

Police recovered the weapon and an undisclosed amount of cash.

“There was an outstanding active warrant for his arrest,” said Kenison.

The Portland warrant was for operating a motor vehicle after suspension and unlawful possession of drugs.

“This remains an ongoing investigation,” Kenison said.