Accused robber shined judge's shoes

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 5 (UPI) -- A Florida judge recognized a suspect in a drug store robbery as the man who shines his shoes once a week outside of the courthouse.

Broward County Judge John Hurley presided over the bond hearing Wednesday for William Abrons, 50, whom he recognized as the man who regularly shines shoes outside of the Broward County courthouse, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Thursday.

"Sir, you're the shoeshine guy in front of the courthouse," Hurley said during the hearing.

"I gotta tell you something," the judge told the courtroom. "I get my shoes shined by Mr. Abrons once a week."

Abrons declined Hurley's offer to appoint a different judge to preside over the case.

Abrons is accused of robbing a CVS drug store Monday night. During the crime, he allegedly pointed a gun at the cashier and pulled the trigger several times, but the gun did not fire.

"With a heavy heart, Mr. Abrons, I'm going to order that you be held without bond," Hurley said.