Weak Fitty

At noon on September 17, a customer attempted to purchase two packages of cigarettes at the Circle K store on Mast Boulevard. The customer's 50-dollar bill was tested for counterfeit three different ways by the clerks, who refused to accept it. The "customer" rejoined his companion in an awaiting car.

Another customer jotted down the license number of the car and followed the duo to the Santee Donuts Shop at Cuyamaca Street and Mast, where the same man again attempted to pay with the 50-dollar bill. Again it was rejected. The witness called 911 and contacted the sheriff’s.

The crime-fighting citizen then followed the duo to the Target store in Trolley Square. Shortly thereafter, three undercover units from the sheriff's department arrived, debriefed the witness, and deputies went inside the Target and witnessed the men attempting to pay with the highly suspect 50.

Both men were arrested as they exited for three counts of attempted burglary (entering a building with the intent of committing a crime) and other offenses.