http://www.palmbeachpost.com/treasurecoast/content/tcoast/epaper/2008/03/14/m1c_slstickup_0314.htmlFriday, March 14, 2008
PORT ST. LUCIE Police arrested two boys, ages 12 and 14, accused of attempting to rob a police station while one pretended to hold a gun under his coat.
A half-dozen officers poured into the lobby within minutes, arresting both boys on charges of attempted armed robbery, police spokesman Rob Vega said.
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The 14-year-old also was charged with violating his probation.
Both were booked at the St. Lucie Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
The boys walked into the lobby of the Port St. Lucie Police Department's western regional station about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and demanded money, Vega said.
Tucking one hand inside his jacket as though he held a gun, the 12-year-old picked up a telephone handset and ordered one of two aides working behind a bulletproof glass enclosure to put up her hands and give him all of her money, Vega said.
Surveillance video captured the episode, including the 14-year-old's brief chuckle as his accomplice made his demands.
The 14-year-old then disappeared into the lobby bathroom as the 12-year-old paced around, pointing first at his eyes, then at the second aide, as if to say, "I'm watching you," Vega said.
The first aide hung up the handset and ran out of the lobby booth, screaming for help.
Police officers, who had just finished defensive tactics training, streamed into the lobby, encircling the boys. One had his gun drawn.
The boys laughed as police arrested them, said Vega, who called the stunt a "really dumb move."
"They didn't show any signs of remorse whatsoever," he said. "To them, the entire incident was a big joke."
