295 - Whitetail Robbery

Banks aren’t the only businesses that have been robbed in Nelson County, though, for the most part, robberies had quieted down since the 1980s when the famed Prairie Posse was hot on the heels, and ultimately caught, Captain Harold Spruell who was guilty of multiple bank robberies during a short period of time. The quiet and serene community of Aneta, after having endured not one, but two of Spruells heists, would once again be shaken, this time in 2010.

It was fall in North Dakota. Farmers were harvesting, kids were back in school, and the community was soaking up as much sunshine and warmth as it could before winter set in. It seemed like an ordinary day on Main Avenue in Aneta. That was until another burglar struck.

A gun-wielding man entered the Whitetail Bar around 11:00 AM, right during lunchtime in the small town cafe. Wearing a dark mask, he demanded money from the businesses. Thankfully, no one was injured and sheriff deputies quickly had the man in custody.