Man robs Winona bar named Cheaters

WINONA, Minn. (AP) -- A thief with eye for word play who also had a lot of bravado robbed a Winona bar named Cheaters about six blocks from the police station.

Deputy police chief Tom Williams says the man walked in at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday saying he was a state gambling inspector. He claimed he was there to review charitable pull-tab collections. He was given the boxes and the cash.

After a bit, he excused himself, saying he'd forgotten something in his car.

When he didn't return bar employees noticed the money had left with him. At 9:31 p.m., they called police. The amount stolen hasn't been released.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.