Two men are in a Catawba County, N.C., jail today in what police say was a case of suspected criminals expecting a bit too much charity from the law.
The two are accused of robbing a convenience store — then calling police and asking for help with a flat tire a few hours later.
Charged with robbery in the case are Mark Franklin, 46, of Conover; and James Jennings, 31, of Claremont.
According to police, two men entered the Cubbard Express store, in the 2700 block of Springs Road, about 11 p.m. Sunday. The men did not show a gun, but police said one man indicated he was armed. One man demanded money from the cashier, and the two men then fled in a tan four-door Chevrolet car.
Police viewed surveillance video coverage and began looking for the suspects.
About 3 a.m. Monday, according to police, two men called officers from a Hardee's restaurant on U.S. 321 and asked for help with a flat tire.
One officer who responded recognized the men as those from the robbery, and he arrested them, police said.