Looks like they will never learn.
Armed robber remembers to lock getaway car -- but keys were inside
Friday, December 29, 2006
An old habit prevented an armed robber from evading police after holding up a local service station in Lufkin Thursday.
According to police, 27-year-old Lee Arthur Thomas had the money and was out the door. He even remembered to park his car discreetly around the corner and leave the engine running. But he forgot one detail — to leave the car doors unlocked, said Lt. Mike Shapaka of Lufkin Police Department.
Minutes earlier, at about 4 p.m., Thomas allegedly walked into Karrh's Service Station, 1211 N. Timberland Drive, and pointed a pistol at a clerk. He fled with an undisclosed amount of money. After discovering his car doors were locked, he took off running toward First Street and shed a few clothes to change his appearance, Shapaka said.
Police arrived while Thomas was offering someone a few dollars for a ride, Shapaka said.
Thomas was arrested and charged with armed robbery, a first degree felony. If convicted, he could face five to 99 years or life in prison.
