Would-be robber behind bars after incident recorded by victim
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - A would-be robber is behind bars after the victim of his attempted crime armed himself and recorded the incident on the patio of a popular Lawrence restaurant.
The Lawrence, Kansas, Police Department says that just before midnight on Sunday, May 25, emergency crews were called to the Basil Leaf Cafe at 8th and Massachusetts Street with reports of an attempted armed robbery.
When first responders arrived, they said they found an employee who said he was out on the patio when a man with a long knife approached and demanded money. In self-defense, the victim grabbed a rock and recorded the incident as he dialed 911.
Law enforcement officials noted that the would-be robber took off, however, he was recognized and found nearby. The weapon was found in a trash can along the suspect’s route.
Investigators said the suspect, who was identified as Maurice A. Mahan, 54, of Lawrence, was believed to have been under the influence. Drug paraphernalia was found in his possession before he was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.
As of Monday afternoon, no formal charges have been filed. He remains behind bars with no bond listed.
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