Convenience-Store Robber Conveniently Leaves ID

An inept robber was arrested after he left his wallet and driver’s license on the counter of a San Diego convenience store he attempted to rob, police said Tuesday.

Vernon (Isa) Mustaffa, 45, was booked into jail Monday for investigation of robbery and handgun possession by an ex-convict, authorities said. He was arrested in the 1000 block of South 31st Street.

Police spokesman Bill Robinson said Mustaffa made off with only a wristwatch worth $175 after trying to rob a convenience store about 6 a.m. Sunday.

Clerk Tom Burgess said he was alone behind the cash register when a man entered the store, poured a cup of coffee and set his wallet on the counter to pay for it.

Suddenly, the man pulled out a pair of handcuffs and showed Burgess the butt of a gun tucked into his waistband, the clerk said.

“He said, ‘Do you know what a robbery is?’ and I said ‘Yes,’ and he said, ‘This is one,’ ” Burgess said.

There was no money in the cash register. So the robber ordered Burgess into a back room, where he handcuffed him to a sink leg and took his Casio watch, police said.

The robber then filled a cart with several dozen cartons of cigarettes, but left them behind, apparently fleeing because customers had entered the store, Burgess said.

Burgess freed himself from the handcuffs and called police.

He was surprised to see that the robber had left behind a wallet with a Social Security card and California driver’s license.

“Not very bright,” Burgess said.