Bakery Clerk Turns Tables On Armed Robbery Suspect
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police say a man made a big mistake when he tried to rob a local bakery.
The robber had a loaded revolver, the hammer cocked back and ready to shoot when he came into Minerva's Bakery in McKeesport.
But, one of the clerks acted quickly and took the gun when she had the opportunity.
Tyler Lankford, 21, picked the wrong place to rob, according to McKeesport Police.
At the end of January, police say he came into the bakery with a loaded revolver, pointed it at the 58-year-old clerk and told her to empty the register.
"I would have been petrified myself. I would have been scared to death," one woman said.
The clerk said she put the gun down to grab the cash and just as a customer was walking in, the clerk took the chance she was given and grabbed the gun.
"I just love karma. It's a shame that this happens so much in this city, but it's nice to see that a woman stood up strong to this thug," one man said.
Police say Lankford took off, leaving the revolver behind. Police say the gun could have easily gone off, with the hammer already pulled back.
Police have tied Lankford to several other robberies, including one at a McKeesport convenience store and at Puff's Tabacco shop.
Having surveillance video, they believe the same revolver was used in each robbery.
Lankford was located and arrested Tuesday in Pitcairn.
McKeesport Police say no other robberies were reported once the gun was left behind at Minerva's.
Lankford is facing several charges, including robbery.
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