PANAMA CITY — A man whose two armed robberies netted only $180 has been sentenced to seven years in prison, according to court documents.
Michael Lee Harris, 52, was sentenced after he pleaded no contest Thursday to holding up two convenience stores at knifepoint. In one attempt, he was chased from the store by a clerk wielding a pipe, and in the other he made off with only $180, police reported.
Police caught up with Harris on April 22 after he walked into the Family Dollar at 297 W. 15th Street about a week earlier with a large knife. Harris ordered the clerk to open the cash register before she gave him about $180. He then ran off but was caught on surveillance video.
Officers pulled a still frame from the video and identified Harris. Police also found a car with a Social Security card and jacket belonging to Harris nearby, although he lived on Sixth Street.
Last December, Harris was less successful in a similar robbery attempt. He entered the M&M II Store at 3210 Transmitter Road, walked up to the counter, set a candy bar down, pulled out a knife and demanded money. His plan was thwarted when the clerk grabbed a pipe and chased him from the store.
“The clerk grabbed a pipe from under the counter to protect himself, spoiling any further attempts by Harris to complete the robbery,” police reported.
Harris was sentenced to seven years in prison for armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.