Bumbling Bladensburg Robber Caught, Convicted After Strong Wind Blows Money Everywhere at Gas Station

GREENBELT, MD — A Bladensburg man has pleaded guilty to donning a mask and using a semi-automatic handgun to rob stores around Prine George's County in September 2015. He had been caught by police after wind blew money everywhere as he fled a gas station.

Derrick Rondell Battle, 43, was charged with armed commercial robbery, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The U.S. Justice Department said in a statement that he committed the following robberies: "a pharmacy in the 6400 block of Landover Road in Landover, Maryland on September 21, 2015, stealing $200; a discount store in the 6500 block of Annapolis Road in Landover Hills, Maryland on September 24, 2015, stealing $1,200; and a gas station in the 5800 block of Annapolis Road in Cheverly, Maryland, stealing $200."

While fleeing the gas station in Cheverly, a "strong wind blew the stolen money out of the bag and Battle stopped to collect the money," the statement adds.

Police officers who were responding to the scene spotted Battle in a ravine and arrested him after a short chase. The officers recovered cash from Battle as well as the gun used in the robbery nearby. Police recovered about $1,200 in cash.

Under a plea agreement that still has to be approved by the court, Battle would be sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 19.

Image via DeviantArt user 2bgr8STOCK