Vernon Earl Jones v. State Texas

On January 15, 1983, appellant ate lunch at a restaurant where the relevant events occurred. The cashier testified that he requested and received change and also that she directed him to the restroom outside the restaurant. She and other witnesses testified that appellant returned a few minutes later, walking hurriedly, went behind the counter, grabbed the cashier and tried to push her toward the kitchen. He held one hand under his shirt and stated that he had a gun, was robbing the restaurant and for the customers to get on the floor. When a delivery man entered the restaurant through a back door, appellant fled on foot. The delivery man chased appellant and caught him. He testified that as he held appellant and waited for the police to arrive, appellant offered money to him and another man who joined them if they would let him go. Police officers subsequently arrived and arrested appellant.