Apparently the economy is so bad, that a Trekkie has turned to crime. According to multiple reports from the Colorado press, a man wielding a Klingon Bat’leth sword robbed two different 7-11 stores in Colorado Springs, CO this morning. So far no one was injured, but the crook has not yet been caught. More details and a video TV report below. [UPDATE: Image of Bat’leth Bandit released]

Qapla’…now hand over the cash

The robber, described as "a white man in his 20s, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and wearing a mask" robbed the first 7-11 at 145 N Spruce Street in Colorado Springs at 1:50 AM. The robber demanded money and left after getting an undisclosed amount of cash. According to reports, the clerk recognized the weapon "from the Star Trek TV series." A half hour later the Bat’leth bandit struck again at a 7-11 at 2407 Union, but after the clerk refused to give him any money the robber (in a very un-Klingon-like move) fled the scene. Neither clerk was injured and the robber is still at large.

Here is a report from KKTV in Colorado

UPDATE: Photo

The Colorado Police have released a surveillance camera image of the robbery.



Bat’leth weilding robber bringing dishonor to Trekkies

UPDATE 2: Police consider Bat’leth deadly weapon

According to a report in the Colorado Springs Gazette, Police are taking this crime seriously. Police spokesman Lt. David Whitlock tells the paper:

If this individual is arrested, the charge will be the same as if he carried a gun. It’s considered a deadly weapon.

Whitlock also acknowledges that using this kind of weapon in a crime is unusual, noting he "can’t imagine it’s very easy to conceal.

If you are wondering, you can actually purchase stainless steel Bat’leth swords. KnivesDeal.com offers a number of designs ranging from $30-$75. (TrekMovie does not recommend using Bat’leths for anything except honorable and ceremonial purphoses)

[Sources: Denver Post, DenverChannel, KKTV]

Thanks to Kevin, Salgado, and Ran for sending in tips.