How not to conduct your armed robbery Santee man brandishes weapon, tosses it, and is caught with knife

A Santee man was apprehended Friday afternoon, May 15, after robbing a Target store and attempting to flee by bicycle, sheriff's deputies reported.

According to a report from Sgt. Tim Chantler, a suspect identified as 46-year-old David Smith attempted to exit the retailer without paying for a camping tent and several clothing items. When approached by store security, Smith brandished a handgun and ran.

Per Chantler's release, deputies dispatched to the robbery scene received a description of the suspect as "they observed the suspect riding pasted [sic] them on a bicycle in the opposite direction on Mission Gorge Road."

When authorities made a u-turn to begin pursuit, Smith retrieved a gun from his pocket and attempted to toss it. Once stopped by deputies, Smith was still in possession of a concealed knife as well as the property reported stolen.

Upon a search, the weapon used in the robbery — a flare gun painted black — was recovered, as were the stolen clothing items and the tent.

The stolen merchandise was returned to Target, and Smith was jailed on charges of armed robbery and carrying a concealed knife.