Lawnmower doesn't cut it for getaway

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AIKEN, S.C., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A robber in South Carolina was caught attempting to make his escape on a lawnmower, authorities say.

Ricky New, 45, of Aiken is charged with first-degree assault and battery and armed robbery, Capt. Troy Elwell of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office told the Aiken Standard.

New, known to law enforcement from prior offenses, allegedly entered Kent's Korner store Thursday and ordered the clerks to "give me your damn money," Elwell said.

He began hitting one of the clerks with a stick and she was struck on the arm several times as she tried to defend herself, he said.

"She was bruised, but she is OK," Elwell added. "He received an undisclosed amount of money and fled the scene on his getaway vehicle -- a Craftsman riding lawnmower."