Crime

"Potato Perp" in custody, say Rhode Island police

/ AP

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence police have arrested a man who allegedly wielded a potato disguised as a gun during a pair of recent robbery tries.

CBS affiliate WPRI reports 34-year-old Gary Deming of Cranston was arrested on robbery charges. Authorities say he pretended he had a gun when he demanded money from a convenience store and a dry cleaner April 21.

The convenience store manager chased him off with a baseball bat. A dry cleaner employee gave him a fake $20 from a decoy register.

The station reports Deming is also accused of breaking into his sister's home on the same day as the alleged potato incidents. She told police he took a purse, debit card and $100 in cash.

A telephone listing for Deming couldn't be found. It's not clear if he has legal representation.

First published on April 29, 2014 / 8:22 AM EDT

AP

f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.