Police: Men Try to Rob Pizza Hut with Drill

KCTV5 ^ | 12/30/03 | KCTV5

[Tim Osman]

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- It's a story Independence police can't help cracking a smile about.

A father and son, they say, could be the dumbest criminals they've ever come across.

Independence police say the father and son team need to find an alternative way to make a living, because as criminals, they're just not gonna make it, KCTV5's Amy Anderson reported on "KCTV5 News at 5 p.m."

Police said the father and son used a drill to try and rob a Pizza Hut delivery business off Truman Road.

"It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud," said Officer Bill Pross, of the Independence Police Department.

Police said 32 -year-old Don Strobel and his 63-year-old father, George, were drinking at Pappy's Den Monday night when they decided to hold up a Pizza Hut on their way home.

Police reports said Dad stayed on the lookout at the store while the younger Strobel hid the power tool with no bit attached under his jacket.

He told employees he had a gun and demanded cash and a car.

The cashier told the would-be crooks they didn't have a car and that the cash was in a locked safe, so the two left and started walking home again.

Independence police caught up to them a short time later.

"This ranks right up there with some of the dumber stunts we've seen out of criminals certainly this year," Pross said.

No one was hurt in Monday night's robbery attempt and funny as it may seem, it was serious, Amy reported.

Both father and son were charged with second-degree robbery and could spend up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

[Tim Osman]

Any calls for drill control?

[petuniasevan]

Dumb criminals - gotta love 'em!

[jocon307]

Not a bit of it.

[Gigantor]

Somebody call Mike Hammer. That's the key, Chuck.

[jmcclain19]

"Give me all your money"

"Screw You"

"Well, actually...."

[Flyer]

A crime story with a new twist.

[clee1]

Never bring a drill to a gunfight.

[SpaceBar]

Next on the aggenda: a five day waiting period on chuck keys.

[albee]

"Up with your hands or I'll drill you!!!"

[Steel Wolf]

What a pair of tools! What a crazy pipe dream! I'm glad the cops were able to nail these guys. These criminals are pretty much screwed now, though. They're bound to get hammered for this. If the cops can drive a wedge between them, they can pry one of them into talking, and then file them both away. I just hope some nut trying to fight the machine doesn't spring them from jail, that could really throw a monkeywrench into the whole works.

(Okay, okay, I'll stop. You get the idea.)

[goldstategop]

You know... it was a spur of the moment thing... like father, like son. I guess they'll be getting to know each other better for a looong time.

[Dacus943]

"Any calls for drill control?"

When Drills are outlawed... Only Outlaws will have Drills!!!

[Jaxter]

"When Drills are outlawed... Only Outlaws will have Drills!!!"

And dentists.

[Skwidd]

Was a trailer involved?

[GulfWar1Vet]

"This is NOT a DRILL!"
awww..this takes the cake for the "Dumbest Criminal of the Year" award..and notice they just came from a bar.. I am still laughing...LoL

[Conspiracy Guy]

I carry a DeWalt 12 Volt cordless, with masonry bit, concealed for personal protection. But I keep an 18 Volt Cordless Hammer Drill in the truck for serious situations.

[exit82]

This was a..bit..ridiculous.

[Johnny_Cipher]

Independence police caught up to them a short time later.

Officers Black and Decker, no doubt ...

[SLB]

Can you account for your actions on the night in question?

[reagan_fanatic]

I hope it was a variable-speed reversable with a fast charger and extra battery...