A store clerk’s feigned ignorance and 9-1-1 “pocket-dial” stalled a would-be strong-armed robber early Wednesday morning just long enough for the police to arrive.
The suspect, a 34-year-old man from Burien, handed over a note demanding cash, but when the store clerk pretended not to understand his demands the would-be robber left the market without any stolen merchandise or cash.
The clerk then gave a description of the burglar to a 9-1-1 dispatcher who was still on the line.
Responding officers spotted a man matching the description of the suspect near the intersection of Rainier Ave. S. and Renton Ave. before they even reached the AM/PM market located a 251 Rainier Ave. N.
The clerk, who was still talking with the dispatcher, confirmed that the suspect was indeed the man who attempted to rob the AM/PM.
The suspect was taken into custody and booked into SCORE for Investigation of Robbery, according to the Renton Police Department.
