A shoplifter turned a $350 power-tool theft into an armed robbery when he threatened a Home Depot security guard before escaping, sheriff's officials say.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
The holdup happened at 10:40 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at the home improvement store at 58705 Twentynine Palms Highway.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
The unidentified thief tried to sneak out a back emergency door when a store security associate confronted him.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
"The suspect told the associate he had a gun, and the associate backed away," sheriff's officials said in a written statement. "The ... suspect fled into the open desert."googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Deputies found the power tools lying in the desert but couldn't find the robber.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
They say he is a bald, white man about 30 years old who had facial hair and was wearing dark pants but no shirt.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Anyone with additional information may call deputies at 760-366-4175.