Seth Slabaugh

The Star Press

MUNCIE — An eastside Marathon Food Mart clerk thwarted an armed robbery over the weekend by throwing coffee in the face of the masked bandit, police say.

The robber entered the store at Main and Hackley streets around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday and pulled out a handgun.

"He started to point the handgun at (the clerk) when (the clerk) threw a freshly brewed, hot cup of coffee at the suspect's face," city police patrolman Brian Jackson reported. "The coffee hit the suspect in the face and he immediately ran away."

The suspect, believed to be black, was wearing a mask, dark pants and a blue hoodie.

It might be easier said than done, but law enforcement officials advise robbery victims to remain calm, avoid sudden movements, do what you're told and make mental notes about the robber's clothing, hair length, color, size, build, tattoos, scars and other features.

"Give up your property — not your life," the National Crime Prevention Council says.

"I would be worried that throwing hot coffee on him would either make him flinch and pull the trigger or get mad and shoot you just for that," Muncie police Sgt. Mike Engle told The Star Press. "Give them what they want. Don't escalate that situation. Just comply with the person and get good information you can pass on to the police when we get there. It's not worth dying over a little bit of money."

Contact Seth Slabaugh at (765) 213-5834.