A lookalike of Gumby decided to take a risk by attempting to rob a US convenience store, claiming possession of a gun, but his efforts were thwarted by a costume malfunction.
Footage from surveillance cameras captured the individual in a bulky green outfit entering a 7-Eleven in southern California and demanding cash.
However, he was not believed.
The store clerk thought it was a prank and disregarded the life-sized figure, stating he was busy cleaning and couldn’t spare any time.
‘You don’t think this is a robbery? I have a gun,’ exclaimed Gumby while awkwardly searching within his costume, presumably looking for a weapon, according to San Diego police Detective Gary Hassen.
‘The green gloves seemed to hinder him, and instead of retrieving a gun, he ended up dropping 26 cents on the floor,’ Hassen added.
The footage also shows another man, not in costume, who entered with the suspect exiting the store, likely out of embarrassment.
Faced with the circumstances, the would-be robber chose to escape without any loot when his accomplice pulled up in a white or silver minivan, honking the horn in front of the store.
According to San Diego’s KGTV News, the shop assistant relayed to his manager that he was unfamiliar with Gumby, describing the robber instead as a ‘green SpongeBob SquarePants’.
After reviewing the surveillance footage, his manager contacted the police, who took the attempted robbery seriously.
‘It doesn’t matter if a potential thief is donned in a ski mask, bandanna, hoodie, or an enormous, green head – it remains a disguise,’ remarked Hassen.
US Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1000.
No arrests have been made thus far, but the police remain hopeful that someone will identify Gumby’s accomplice from the surveillance video.
