Man arrested for robbing Blair gun store

A 20-year-old man was arrested just hours after stealing three handguns from Safe and Secure Firearms in Blair on Friday morning.

Christian Dahl was taken into custody shortly after he was seen exiting a window at the store located at 302 N. Gilbert St. 

According to a press release sent by the Blair Police Department, an employee entered the store at 5:27 a.m. when he heard glass break in a back hallway. The employee immediately yelled out and ran toward the sound. He saw a suspect climbing out of a window and fleeing the scene on foot.

Dahl was identified through security cameras and witnesses, and he was taken into custody in a mobile home park. Blair Chief of Police Kent Johnson said he was able to recover all of the stolen items, including three handguns, ammunition, two knives, a “dummy grenade” and other items. 

Johnson said the ability to resolve the case quickly was due to cooperation between local law enforcement agencies, the victim, witnesses, security cameras and support from the community. 

“It is rare that law enforcement can solve crimes without community support,” Johnson wrote in the press release. “The support for the city of Blair and the Blair Police Department was nothing short of incredible. I thank and salute you all.” 

The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the case.