PELLA — On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Kurtis Spoelstra, age 51, of Pella, entered El Charro Mexican Restaurant at 514 Main Street in Pella with the intent to get money from the business. He demanded cash from the clerk, waving a bag at the clerk, telling him to put the money in it and keeping his other hand in his pocket, which instilled fear of injury in the clerk. Shortly after entering, Spoelstra left the restaurant without obtaining any money after the clerk pointed out the surveillance cameras. The Pella Police Department identified Spoelstra after receiving tips from community members. He later admitted to officers that he had committed the robbery. 

Spoelstra is charged with Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony. 

The Pella Police Department said in a statement to the media, “We thank our Pella Police Department Special Operations Division investigators for their diligent work investigating and quickly resolving this crime. We also thank the community members who provided information regarding this incident.”