Teen armed with banana eats evidence after failing to rob store

Police said a North Carolina teenager who was thwarted as he tried to rob a store with a banana ate it before they could arrive.

Winston-Salem authorities said 17-year-old John Szwalla held the banana under his shirt when he entered the store on Thursday, saying he had a gun and demanded money.

Owner Bobby Ray Mabe said he and a customer jumped Szwalla, holding him until deputies arrived. While they waited the teen ate the banana.

Mr Mabe said deputies took pictures of the banana peel. Forsyth County Sheriff’s office spokesman Major Brad Stanley said deputies joked about charging Szwalla with destroying evidence. Szwalla faces a charge of attempted armed robbery.