Authorities called it strong-arm robbery. The “doughnut man,” as the suspect is now known, faces five to 15 years in prison for his crime.
Scott A. Masters, 41, is accused of shoplifting the pastry and pushing a store worker who tried to stop him. The worker was unhurt. But with that shove, his shoplifting turned into a strong-arm robbery. Masters, who appeared in court Friday, is stunned. The prosecutor shows no signs of backing down. In fact, because Masters has a prior record, he could get a sentence of 30 years to life.
Mr. Masters attempted to casually stroll out with a donut without paying for it. That’s when a 54-year old store clerk ran out and tried to stop him. She grabbed his arm and he delivered what is being called a “back-handed punch to the chest.”
The clerk, who was uninjured, jumped in her car and called the Police as she chased down Masters. He was arrested minutes later and charged with “strong-arm robbery.” In legal terms it’s known as second-degree robbery which is a class B felony.
With two other felony convictions on his record, Mr. Masters could receive an enhanced sentence of 30-years to life.
I would be mildly irritated if someone stole a 52-cent donut from my store, but I definitely wouldn’t go chase them down in my car. Stealing anything from a store is wrong, but really it was just a donut.
-Chris Jones
