Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Andrew Buncombe

Armed 'Darth Vader' tries to rob Florida convenience store

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 say Jacob Mercer tried to hold up the store

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.