Man robs petrol station then returns to apologise

A man robbed a petrol station only to return hours later to give the money back and apologise, police in northern California said.

Cyle Warren Abbott Jr told officers he needed cash to leave town for a fresh start, but then realised his mistake, Eureka Police Sergeant Steve Watson said.

The 23-year-old first entered the petrol station demanding cash with what the clerk believed was a semi-automatic handgun, Sgt Watson said. The clerk gave Abbott some cash and he left – but not before taking two bottles of beer.

Not a real gun

Three hours later Abbott returned, giving back most of the cash and saying he was sorry, Sgt Watson said. He claimed that the weapon was only a BB gun, which he had thrown away after leaving the station.

Abbott Jr then took officers to the grassy area where he claimed to have left the weapon, but they were unable to find it.

Abbott was arrested on suspicion of robbery and a probation violation. He was granted bail of $50,000 (£31,000) and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

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