Rifle-Wielding Lottery Ticket Thief Charged by St. Peters Police

A woman who early Tuesday morning has been formerly charged.

Helen Denson, 41, of St. Peters, has been charged with Robbery 1st, Armed Criminal Action and Resisting Arrest. Bond has been set at $100,000 and she will be transferred to St. Charles County Jail.

accuse of Denson of entering the at 150 Salt Lick Road around 2:30 a.m. early Tuesday. According to police, Denson had a gray scarf covered her face and displayed a rifle to the female clerk. Police say Denson demanded money and lottery tickets. The clerk complied with the request giving out nearly $200 worth of scratch-off tickets and an undisclosed amount of cash. 

Police say that after the robbery, Denson fled the area in a four-door sedan in an unknown direction. 

The BP clerk gave a police a description of Denson and, shortly thereafter, a St. Peters officer observed Denson traveling eastbound on Highway 70 in a black 2000 Chrysler 300. Police say the officer was able to observe the female driving and, after seeing how she matched the description of the suspect, the officer activated his lights to stop the vehicle. 

The lights didn't stop the car. Police say Denson sped up, exceeding 100 miles per hour on Highway 70, before exiting on Zumbehl, and continuing through the streets of St. Charles city. 

Police were able to apprehended Denson when her vehicle struck a curb on North Second Street near Olive Street, causing her to lose control of her vehicle. There were no injuries during this incident and officers noted there were minimal to no cars on the roads during the pursuit. 

Denson has been charged has been charged with Robbery 1st, Armed Criminal Action and Resisting Arrest.