A teen from the USA who pulled off his mask during an alleged robbery and claimed it was only a social-media prank has been arrested by police.
Wannabe robber Brandon McMahon, 18, claimed that he was pulling a YouTube prank when he rushed into the Smoke Stars Vape shop in Canton, Georgia, USA.
CCTV footage showed the teen walking into the store and pointing his weapon at the cashier as he demanded specific products at around 9.30pm on Thursday, 3rd November.
But just moments later, he burst into laughter as he took off his mask, hood, and sunglasses, thus revealing his face for surveillance cameras.
He then told the employee that he was only fooling around, to which the clerk responded: “Yo, dude, that’s not funny”.
McMahon continued: “Oh my God, bro. Oh my God, I got you.”
He then left the store without taking anything after telling the employee that the weapon was “just a freaking airsoft gun”.
But he was later identified and arrested at Woodstock High School after officers recognised him from images posted on social media sites.
Captain Jay Baker from Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said: “There’s no other person there with him.
“No one was videotaping him. He does not have a YouTube channel as he states.”
Baker added: “Something like that happens, not only could the clerk shoot you, a bystander might try to protect the clerk, it’s very dangerous.”
Authorities found a .357 magnum gun, which they believe was used during the crime, in McMahon’s home.
Captain Baker stated: “This was an actual armed robbery that he changed his mind about during the act and tried to downplay it and leave the scene.”
One of the vape shop’s employees, Adam Cantrell – who was at home during the incident – said: “Pretty scary, come out with a gun drawn you’re sitting here just trying to sell vapes, pretty scary.
Of his co-worker, Cantrell said: “They seem like they’re holding up OK, but I really hope they’re doing good.”
The teen, who is currently being detained at the Cherokee Count Adult Detention Centre, was charged with criminal attempt to commit armed robbery.
His bond was set at USD 4,875 (GBP 4,250).
The investigation continues.
