Failed Robber Eats Evidence: Banana ‘Gun’
“Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just trying to rob the store?” Authorities in Winston-Salem say a teen’s attempt to rob a store with a banana was thwarted before police could arrive. 17-year-old John Szwalla held the banana under his shirt as he entered the store, saying he had a gun and demanding money.
The store owner says he and a customer jumped the teen, detaining him until deputies arrived. While they waited, the teen ate the banana in order to confiscate the evidence. However, deputies had the foresight to take pictures of the banana peel. Witnesses have been able to identify the banana peel out of a line up of other fruit peels and the teen now faces a charge of attempted armed robbery. Jail officials say he doesn’t have an attorney, or a preferred produce vendor.
