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Man Tries to Rob with iPhone: App for That?

By Jason Beahm on January 05, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Saying that you are kidding is not a defense to robbery. And an Apple doesn't make for much of a weapon.

Jerome Taylor learned that lesson after attempting to rob a restaurant by pretending his iPhone was a gun. Taylor, 20, wore a mask and entered a Connecticut restaurant and threatened cooks, demanding money, NBCConnecticut.com reports. However, when the iPhone gun wasn't intimidating, the cooks went all Iron Chef, drew their knives, and told Taylor that he was about to be sliced and diced.

Taylor realized that he was in a bind, and said that he was sorry and that he was actually, just kidding, and needed money for his kid. Taylor then made his escape. It seems that his plea was fairly convincing. When police interviewed the cooks, they said they felt bad for him and didn't want to pursue charges. Police said they were going to do so anyway, and went looking for the iRobber.

Jerome Taylor's escape didn't last long. When officers apprehended him, he quickly confessed. Although he did want to make clear that he never possessed a gun. His only weapon was an iPhone gun. Police are charging him with attempted robbery and interfering with an officer.

Robbery is theft or larceny of property or money through the use of physical force or fear against a victim. An attempted crime means that a person had intent to commit the crime, and took a step toward committing the crime, but did not complete it.

Taylor will be missing his iPhone for a while. It's sealed in an evidence bag at the police station.

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