Samuel Clinton McConnell (DOB: 4-15-76) was sentenced Wednesday in Jefferson County District Court to 32 years in prison for the aggravated robbery of a Circle K and the shooting of an off-duty Denver Police Department officer who intervened in the robbery in progress.
McConnell was convicted by a Jefferson County jury on April 21, 2021, of F3 Aggravated Robbery – Intent to Kill/Maim/Wound if Resisted, F4 Assault 2 – Causing Serious Bodily Injury with a Dangerous Weapon, F6 Tampering with Physical Evidence, misdemeanors Child Abuse, Theft, and Reckless Endangerment, and traffic offenses Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Injury. He was acquitted of Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder and Assault 2 – Injury with Weapon During Felony.
On the morning of December 18, 2019, police were called to a Circle K gas station at 9989 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, regarding an aggravated robbery in progress. Further investigation determined that Mr. McConnell entered the Circle K wearing a mask and gloves and holding a gun. He then robbed the clerk of approximately $200 cash from a cash drawer. A customer standing in line when Mr. McConnell entered recognized that Mr. McConnell intended to rob the store. The customer fled and encountered an off-duty Denver Police Department officer who was getting gas at the station. The officer asked the fleeing customer whether everything was okay, and the customer informed the officer of the robbery in progress.
Identifying himself as a police officer, the officer drew his firearm, and proceeded to the Circle K to respond to the robbery. The officer encountered Mr. McConnell as Mr. McConnell exited the store. The officer engaged Mr. McConnell. During the encounter, Mr. McConnell shot the officer, who suffered gunshot wounds to his forearm and shoulder. The officer fired at least one shot, which hit the driver’s side front windshield of Mr. McConnell’s vehicle. Mr. McConnell fled in his vehicle at a high rate of speed, hitting another vehicle as he did so. Officers located and arrested Mr. McConnell that evening.
“Crimes committed with firearms are among the most dangerous to our community,” said District Attorney Alexis King. “We appreciate the swift, brave action taken by this officer to immediately respond to the threat posed by Mr. McConnell’s armed robbery of a busy store on a winter morning, and for all of our law enforcement officers whose dedication to public safety ensures safer and healthier communities for all.”