Man Leaves Prison, Robs Same Store 15 Years Later, Cops Say
After serving a 15 year sentence for robbing of a Stride Rite store, Christopher Miller went back to the same shoe store and robbed it again, police said today.
Miller, 40, was caught just blocks away and put back in cuffs.
"In my 25 years in law enforcement, this one stands out as being unique," said Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the police department in Toms River, N.J.
Miller was released Friday from the South Woods State Prison in New Jersey. He was put in prison in 1999 after he robbed the Stride Rite store in Toms River, N.J. In that heist he was convicted of forcing employees to the back room, tying them up and stealing cash, according to police.
When he was released from prison Friday, Miller took a bus from Atlantic City back to Toms River. On Saturday he went to the same Stride Rite store-and robbed it again, police said.
Store employees say Miller walked into the store, demanded cash and became angry when they refused, according to police. Miller then took the cash register, which contained $389, according to police.
Police told ABC News Miller took employees cell phones and store phones and fled on foot.
Police caught up to Miller just a few blocks away from the store and arrested him.
"We do not know the motive but it is possible that Miller chose this store again because of the familiarity," Stocco said. "This was the last area he knew before he was incarcerated."
Miller was charged with robbery and is being held on $100,000 bail in the Ocean County Jail.