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'Gumby' Robbery: San Diego 7-11 Clerk Thought Robbery Was a Joke

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on September 08, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

A "Gumby" robber tried - and failed - to steal cash from a San Diego-area 7-11 on Monday.

That's right; a man in a "Gumby" disguise literally showed up at the convenience store and demanded cash, according to the New York Daily News.

Would you take a "Gumby" robber seriously?

It's probably not surprising that the store clerk apparently thought this robbery was actually a prank. "I'm busy, I don't have time for this," the clerk reportedly told the costumed "Gumby" robber.

Take a look for yourself below. Would you think this robber was actually a prankster?

Most criminals think of ways to disguise themselves during a crime. Some criminals might wear a hood, or sunglasses to shield their face. Others might opt for a bandana.

Few will don a green bodysuit in the guise of a Claymation character. Now that takes commitment. And some courage, as few would be willing to don such an embarrassing-looking outfit.

Ironically, the "Gumby" disguise is so great at hiding a person's body that it even got in the way of the robber's plans.

Apparently, the "Gumby" robber told the skeptical store clerk that he had a gun. But, when he tried to draw the gun he ended up just fumbling around with his own costume, dropping 27 cents on the floor.

"Gumby" ended up leaving the 7-11 empty handed. And, 27 cents poorer.

As ridiculous as his outfit is, the "Gumby" still committed a felony. "Gumby" could face attempted robbery charges. Robbery is defined as a theft where the criminal uses force or fear against the victim.

Here, the "Gumby" robber threatened the store clerk by saying he had a gun. Will "Gumby" be brought to justice? The police likely have their work cut out for them - the "Gumby" disguise kind of makes the suspect difficult to identify.

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