The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — Authorities say a North Carolina teen who was thwarted as he tried to hold up a store with a banana ate the evidence before police could arrive.

Investigators said 17-year-old John Szwalla held the banana under his shirt when he entered 109 Biz Center early Thursday, saying had a gun and demanding money.

Owner Bobby Ray Mabe says he and a customer jumped Szwalla, holding him until police arrived. While they waited, Mabe says the teen pulled the banana out and ate it.

Mabe says officers took pictures of the banana peel and joked with Szwalla about charging him with destroying evidence.

Szwalla faces one count of attempted armed robbery and remains in jail on a $70,000 bond. Jail officials say he doesn't have an attorney.
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