Thousands of dollars stolen from bar in Byron

BYRON, Minn. (KTTC) – The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary that happened at The Bear’s Den Sports Bar and Eatery in Byron over the weekend.

The crime occurred sometime between Christmas night after the bar closed, and Sunday morning.

Authorities said when staff arrived to open the bar Sunday morning just before 11 a.m., there was evidence that someone broke into the building, the pull tab machine and cash register behind the bar.

More than $4,000 from the pull tab machine was stolen, and $200 from the cash register.

Money generated from the pull tab sales goes to Byron Youth Football.

John Stemper, a board member of the Association, says when he first heard the news, he was shocked and disappointed that something like this could happen in his community.

While the money from the pull tabs goes directly to youth football, the Association donates a lot of the money to other local organizations such as the fire department, Byron Public Schools and other youth programs.

“I’m sure the entire community is upset by this, that things like this can happen. The Bears Den is such an asset to our community. They’re a wonderful business, they’re a great place with a great atmosphere, their employees are fantastic. So for something like this, we all take it to heart,” Stemper said.

Investigators say they will be checking surveillance video from nearby businesses to try to get more information on who the suspect or suspects could be.

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