Unsuccessful Robber Returns to Scene of the Crime, Gets Busted: New Haven Police

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 46-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested on attempted robbery and related charges early Friday after allegedly trying to rob a New Haven Seven-Eleven, failing, and then returning to the scene less than an hour later.

According to police, George A. Wilkes allegedly entered the Seven-Eleven on Foxon Boulevard "with his hand beneath his shirt" as "if he was holding a gun." He then started yelling, "I want the money" and "Give me the money…"

The 22-year-old cashier "realized [Wilkes] was holding a small stick," and "pushed the [suspect] backward and the two got into a shoving match. Eventually, the [suspect] fled empty handed." The cashier called the police, who responded and started an investigation.

"Detective Matthew Abbate noted the surveillance cameras he’d likely check during a follow-up visit and told the clerk to call back if he spotted the would-be robber," police wrote in a statement. "He never expected that very call would come in just forty-eight minutes later."

The detective raced back to the store "where he found several patrons helping the clerk detain the suspect."

Wilkes denied he’d been there earlier and told the clerk he’d be sued for making such an accusation, according to police. But the cashier said that when Wilkes returned, he picked up a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and said, "I’m not robbing you. I want to buy this."

He was charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery in the first degree; first degree threatening; and second degree breach of peace. His bond and court date information were not immediately available.

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