Armed 'Darth Vader' tries to rob Florida convenience store
Police said store employees fought off the would-be robber and he fled the scene
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In a galaxy far, far away, one man thought it would be clever idea to hold up a local convenience store while wearing a Darth Vader mask.
That, at least, is the allegation confronting Jacob Mercer, 32, after he was detained by police in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, when surveillance captured an attempted hold-up.
One store employee, who gave his name as Ricardo, told First Coast News that a man had entered the store on Sunday evening while carrying a gun.
“We looked at each other for a couple of seconds - it was a little scary,” he said.
Police said that a store employee hit Mr Mercer with a wine bottle. The suspect then ran out of the store.
Police said Mr Mercer was taken into custody shortly afterwards. No one else was injured.
“In all of my years of experience, it was something to look at. I’ll just say that,” said Police commander Mark Evans.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments