Investigations

Man Says Attempted Texas Station Robbery A Joke

May 11, 2012

Authorities in Wilmer, Texas arrested a man who they said attempted to hold up their police station, but the suspect claims it was just a joke.

Authorities in Wilmer, Texas arrested a man who they said attempted to hold up their police station, but the suspect claims it was just a joke.

Police said 18-year-old Keithan Manuel walked into the Wilmer Police Department building with a towel covering his hands and demand money from a communications officer at the dispatch window, KTVT-TV reported.

"He said he'd like to check on a warrant, but it was pretty obvious it was a situation. He gave a different name and after a few moments of maybe playing it off he said 'You do know I have a gun,'" Police Chief Victor Kemp told the TV station. "At that point he seemed to be very serious. She called for officers immediately. The officers arrived and were able to take him down at gunpoint."

Police told KTVT that they determined that Manuel did not have a weapon on him.

"I didn't say nothing like that, I swear to God I didn't say nothing like that; that's why they didn't find no guns on me," Manuel said. "Man I play like that all the time, I didn't think she would take it seriously."

Officers said Manuel was booked on attempted robbery and other charges. He's being held at the Dallas County Jail on $200,000 bond.

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