A retired US police chief said he was robbed by “probably the dumbest criminal in Pennsylvania” at a police officers’ convention attended by 300 narcotics officers.
Former New York lieutenant John Comparetto said that as he came out of a stall in the men's room, a man pointed a gun in his face and demanded money.
Mr Comparetto gave up his money and mobile phone. But when the man fled, Mr Comparetto and some colleagues chased him.
They arrested 19-year-old Jerome Marquis Blanchett of Harrisburg as he was trying to leave in a taxi.
When a reporter asked Mr Blanchett for comment as he was led out of court, he said: "I'm smooth."
About 300 police from Pennsylvania and Ohio were attending the narcotics officers' convention near Harrisburg.
AP