Sex offender in Washington state robs 7-Eleven after rejected for date, police say

A registered sex offender in Washington state robbed a convenience store 30 minutes after the clerk rejected his advances for a date, authorities said.

Darren Michael Lehmann, 35, was charged with first-degree robbery, according to Yakima County arrest records.

According to authorities, Lehmann walked into a 7-Eleven store in Selah on Oct. 30, armed with a gun and demanding money, KIMA-TV reported. The clerk handed over the cash and Lehmann left, the television station reported.

Although Lehmann was wearing a ski mask, camouflage jacket and camouflage pants, the clerk recognized him because he had come into the store 30 minutes earlier. The clerk said she also recognized his voice and eyes because he was a regular customer, KIMA reported.

The clerk told authorities that during Lehmann's first visit to the convenience store he asked her on a date, the television station reported. The clerk refused, saying she knew he had been a registered sex offender since 2005.

Police checked surveillance cameras to corroborate the clerk's story and arrested Lehmann on Tuesday, KIMA reported.

He remains in the Yakima County Jail.

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