Robber who struck TCF Bank in Edina sentenced to 9 years

Star Tribune

Last update: June 24, 2009 - 8:44 PM

A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for bank robbery and use of a firearm during a violent crime when he held up an Edina bank and led police on a chase.

Dante K. Benson-Henry, who has a recent address in Bloomington, was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in St. Paul for holding up the TCF Bank in the Cub Foods in the 6700 block of York Avenue on April 23, 2008.

According to his plea agreement, Benson-Henry, armed with a revolver, robbed the bank of $5,150 and left on foot. Police spotted him driving south on France Avenue near 84th Street in Bloomington. He drove away when they tried to stop him, prompting a chase at speeds reaching 80 miles per hour.

Officers forced his vehicle to a stop in Eden Prairie at Pioneer Trail and Hwy. 169, about 7 miles from where police first spotted him.

Benson-Henry fled on foot and was arrested as he tried to enter a home. Police recovered from Benson-Henry a .357 revolver and seized items from his vehicle, including cash and clothing that matched that used by the robber.

PAUL WALSH

Recent West Metro stories

West metro town briefs - June 24, 2009

West metro town briefs - Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners' 2009 Sleep Out fundraiser received donations totaling $1.41 million, up from last year's total of $1.34 million, the Wayzata-based nonprofit says. More