The Force wasn't with this thief, who thought dressing up as one of the greatest villains of all time would help him get away with a crime.
A man was arrested in Florida after attempting to rob a convenience store and being thwarted with a jar of salad dressing thrown on his face. Jacob Jeremy Mercer, a 32-year-old man from New York, entered the store and demanded money while carrying a silver handgun. In the establishment's surveillance video, he was seen wearing a Darth Vader helmet and a replica of the villain's chest-mounted control box over black pants and light blue sneakers.
Not fazed by coming face-to-face with Darth Vader nor with the fact that a gun was in his face, the store clerk struggled with Mercer before throwing a jar of salad dressing at the man. Mercer was hit in the face, which made him ran out of the store.
According to a witness, Mercer removed his helmet as he made his way out and got into a car. He was bleeding from cuts to his face.
"He ran to his car, sped off driving recklessly through a stop sign and took a right onto First Street. I lost him from there," said the witness.
This was helpful information, however, as police were able to arrest Mercer after finding out where he was staying. He was identified by a witness as the robber.
The Jacksonville Beach Police brought Mercer to the hospital to have his cuts treated before taking him to jail. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and armed robbery.
What does this teach us?
Always have a jar of salad dressing with you for protection. Also, stealing is bad!
If Mercer was indeed a "Star Wars" fan who donned a Darth Vader while trying to commit some criminal activity, he must have been bummed out about getting thrown in jail with "The Force Awakens" hitting theaters soon. Well, that's what happens when you try to rob convenience stores. You do the crime, you do the time.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is due to come out Dec. 18 in North America.
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