An 18-year-old was arrested in Hillsborough County after deputies say he robbed two convenience stores and tried to flee from deputies.
On Friday at about 7:30 a.m., Rhys McGall, 18, entered the Circle K, located at 4704 West Trapnell Road, and handed the cashier a threatening note, authorities say.
After being given money from the cash register, McGall left the scene in a white Kia minivan.
The very next day at about 8:00 a.m., McGall entered the Circle K, located at 12850 Morris Bridge Road, in Thonotosassa, and handed the cashier a threatening note.
Deputies say the victim gave McGall money from the register. He again left the scene in a white minivan. Shortly after, deputies spotted a minivan that matched the suspect vehicle description, traveling east on Main Street in Thonotosassa.
When deputies attempted to make a traffic stop, McGall sped away and intentionally drove through a chain-link fence, HCSO says.
At that point, McGall got out of his vehicle and tried to run, but was arrested following a short pursuit.
"This teen was seriously mistaken if he thought he could rob our local convenience stores and get away with it," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Through good detective work, our deputies were able to locate and arrest this thief before he could strike again. We hope he learns his lesson early in life that this behavior has serious consequences and will not be tolerated."
