Police: Robber sought ‘street credibility’

Police in Florida said a 21-year-old confessed to shooting a convenience store clerk with a BB gun to obtain street credibility.

Investigators said they arrested Steven Gilmore Jr., 21, at his Gainesville home after receiving a tip and the suspect confessed to the Friday night robbery of a Super Store and a robbery last week at a Hungry Howie’s restaurant, The Gainesville (Fla.) Sun reported Monday.

Police said Gilmore brandished the BB gun during the robbery Friday night and the store clerk was shot in the temple while struggling with the suspect for the weapon.

Lt. Keith Kameg of the Gainesville Police Department said Gilmore told officers he had recently lost his job and committed the robberies to gain street credibility as an aspiring rapper.

Kameg said police also arrested a 16-year-old accused of acting as a lookout for Gilmore.