Banana
used as gun in holdup, then eaten
WINSTON-SALEM,
N.C. - Authorities in North Carolina say a store owner
and a patron thwarted a teen accused of trying to carry out
a robbery by concealing a banana beneath his shirt to resemble
a gun.
Winston-Salem
authorities say 17-year-old John Szwalla entered the Internet
cafe Thursday and demanded money, saying he had a gun.
The
owner, Bobby Ray Mabe, said he and a customer jumped Szwalla,
holding him until deputies arrived. While they waited, Mabe
says the teen ate the banana.
Mabe
says deputies took pictures of the peel. Forsyth County Sheriff's
office spokesman says deputies joked about charging Szwalla
with destroying evidence.
Szwalla
faces a charge of attempted armed robbery. Jail officials say
he doesn't have an attorney.