Duct tape bandit sticks to plan

WSAZ- TV in Huntington, West Virginia, reports a guy we'll call "Rupert" held up a liquor store in Ashland, Ohio, just across the river from Huntington.

Rupert demands money from the manager while the cash register is already open from a transaction. The masked bandit reaches into the cash drawer and takes out two rolls of coins.

Rupert's head is wrapped with duct tape leaving one eye, his nose, and mouth open for limited use.

Just after Rupert grabs the coins (two rolls of pennies) the manager picks up his baseball bat and takes out after the fleeing Duct Tape Bandit. The manager catches up with Rupert in the parking lot and gives him a good smack across both legs.

The liquor store manager is now sitting on Rupert's chest with a choke hold around his neck while a customer is kicking Rupert's free arms. Somebody calls the cops.

Maybe a little WD- 40 sprayed on Rupert's head helped loosen the tape. Cops know duct tape and WD- 40 are two staples in law enforcement.

The cops never find out why Rupert used duct tape for a mask instead of a bandanna or a bag. The law is still wondering why Rupert grabbed two rolls of pennies when there was plenty of cash inches away. This particular robbery nets the Duct Tape Bandit a sum total of one dollar.

The next morning Rupert goes before the municipal judge who orders him held under a $250,000 bond for firstdegree robbery. If convicted, Rupert can get up to nine years for this gig. The other inmates'll have plenty of comedy relief when they hear about Rupert's caper. All for a lousy buck.

CallTheCops@sc.rr.com