PALESTINE, Texas — The Palestine Police Department arrested a man they say set fire to a customer and duct-taped a clerk during the armed robbery of a local convenience store Thursday morning.
According to the PPD, the robbery occurred around 10 a.m. at the Pit Stop, located at 1221 North Link Street in Palestine.
Police say Robert Thompson, 40, entered the convenience store with a handgun and ordered the clerk to get on the floor while he emptied the register. A customer then entered the store and Thompson allegedly secured them both with duct tape.
Before leaving, Thompson allegedly poured lighter fluid on the pair and set the customer on fire.
The customer suffered burns and was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to a Dallas medical center for treatment.
According to police, the man drove away on Highway 155 in a white Chevrolet passenger car.
Thompson was arrested at about 5 p.m. at a gas station in Palestine.
He is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated robbery. His bond is $4 million.
“I am proud of our officers and detectives who worked non-stop and seamlessly to get a violent offender off of our streets," Chief Andy Harvey, Palestine Police Department said. "A special thank-you to our local law enforcement partners including DPS and our Constable Muniz, Precinct 4.”
