Chillicothe, OH, June 19, 2024 — A robbery attempt was swiftly halted last night at a restaurant located at 32 W. Main Street, thanks to the quick actions of the establishment’s staff. The incident occurred around 8:53 PM when a man attempted to steal a tip jar and was apprehended by the manager.
According to police reports, Ling Zhu, the caller and restaurant employee, observed Ryan Armstrong entering the restaurant and heading to the bathroom. After a brief moment at the front counter, he decided not to make a purchase but instead grabbed the tip jar. Zhu intervened, grabbing the jar as Armstrong tried to take it by force. He then moved toward the front door, where he was confronted by manager Yong Yong Chen.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Armstrong seated in a booth, effectively detained by the restaurant staff. Zhu recounted the events to the responding officer, highlighting Armstrong’s initial nonchalant behavior, followed by the sudden attempt to steal the tip jar. Armstrong, faced with resistance from the staff, abandoned the attempt and tried to leave, only to be stopped by Chen. There was $19.56 in the tip jar.
Armstrong is now in custody and faces charges of robbery, specifically for using or threatening the immediate use of force. The quick response by Zhu and Chen ensured the safety of the patrons and prevented the theft from escalating.
