GRAND FORKS – A Grand Forks man appeared in court remotely on Monday, Aug. 12, less than 12 hours after he allegedly attempted to rob a local gas station while armed.
Ian Paul Kramchuck, 20, is charged with robbery with a firearm, dangerous weapon or Class B explosive device. This crime carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Since a weapon was allegedly used, the defendant faces a prison sentence of at least four years.
Kramchuck is also charged with terrorizing with a dangerous weapon (Class C felony) and physically obstructing a governmental function (Class A misdemeanor). The Class C felony carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years.
Kramchuck entered the Petro Serve USA offices at 1220 University Ave. armed with a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol, which he used to threaten an employee and demand that he give him money from the cash register, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
However, according to a press release from the Grand Forks Police Department, his efforts were thwarted.
The employees managed to take the gun from Kramchuck and detain him until officers arrived on the scene. Kramchuck allegedly refused to identify himself to police.
He appeared in court Monday afternoon remotely from the Grand Forks County Correctional Center. He did not have an attorney present but said he plans to hire one.
Kathryn Jund, representing the state, recommended bail of $30,000 cash or surety, saying that despite the defendant’s young age and lack of a criminal record as an adult, the facts presented in his case are very troubling.
“Obviously we are dealing with a dangerous weapon, namely a firearm – a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson that was used during the robbery and pointed at the gas station attendant,” Jund said. “There was also another person inside the gas station who feared for his safety.”
Kramchuck, she said, is also a suspect in a series of burglaries and car thefts throughout the community.
There is a possibility that fees may apply in the future.
Judge Kristi Venhuizen granted bail of $30,000. The conditions also include not having any contact with the two alleged victims.
Kramchuck’s next court date, a preliminary hearing and arraignment, is scheduled for September 23 at 9 a.m.
