Machete Gas Station Robber Tells Clerk 'Nothing Personal:' Police

RACINE, WI — A 40-year-old Milwaukee man has been arrested and charged after authorities say he's the man responsible for an armed robbery at a popular northside Racine gas station.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Racine County, Matthew J. Harris of the 100 block of S. 66th Street in Milwaukee, was responsible for an armed robbery at the Better Day BP at the intersection of Douglas Ave. and Goold St. in Racine on April 9.

Authorities say that Harris entered the store, walked around for awhile, approached a female clerk, and demanded she give him all her money. When she refused police say Harris walked around the corner of the counter, pulled out a black machete from his pants and demanded that the other clerk working that day open the cash register.

According to the criminal complaint, Harris told her that it was "nothing personal, I'm in a bad spot right now," during the heist. He took about $500 from the register.

A day later, Racine police reported seeing Harris's vehicle in the 700 block of Park Ave. on the south side of Racine. When police pulled over his car, his vehicle was searched and a sheathed knife was located between the driver's seat and the center console.

According to the complaint, when a police investigator showed the BP clerk a photo lineup including Harris, she said "I'm positive it's him," as she pointed to Harris.

Harris is currently being held in the Racine County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

Racine County Jail Photo