Armed Robbery Suspect Found Passed Out In Lawn Chair Gets Life In Prison

October 26, 2016

An Escambia County man who was arrested for the armed robbery of a Highway 29 antiques store after deputies found him passed out in a lawn chair with the loot is headed to prison for life.

William George Kunkel, 61, was sentenced to life as a habitual felony offender by Judge Joel Boles after pleading guilty to robbery armed with a firearm and aggravated assault by threat with a firearm.

On August 28, 2015, Kunkel entered Dixie’s Antiques and Collectibles on Highway 29 armed with a handgun that he pointed at the clerk. After robbing the store of money and silver coins, Kunkel allegedly took an employee’s car keys with the intention of stealing her car.

The victim convinced him to allow her to give him a ride instead, and she drove Kunkel to the Circle K at Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road, according to investigators. Deputies were unable to locate him that afternoon.

Three days later, deputies responded to Pauline Street in Cantonment where they found Kunkel unconscious in a lawn chair. They reported finding methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in his possession along with the silver coins taken during the antique store robbery.

Kunkel was later identified in a photo lineup by the victim.

In 1984, Kunkel was sentenced to 30 years in state prison followed by five years probation for armed robbery. His prior criminal history also included attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, escape, and grand theft. He was on probation for the 1984 armed robbery when arrested for thee Dixie Antiques robbery.

Comments

7 Responses to “Armed Robbery Suspect Found Passed Out In Lawn Chair Gets Life In Prison”

  1. No Excuses on October 26th, 2016 3:37 pm

    Sounds like he was trying to get back into prison. At his age, he needs three hots and a cot and medical care. He gets all that in the pen without cost to himself.

    Sorry guy.

  2. Nod on October 26th, 2016 1:32 pm

    Thanks ed.

  3. Carolyn Monahan on October 26th, 2016 11:51 am

    He’s where he needs to be. Well done to all involved with this case!!

  4. nod on October 26th, 2016 11:43 am

    Strange kill someone 11 years.
    Attempted murder and burglary life.

  5. nod on October 26th, 2016 11:37 am

    If he had been drunk and killed someone he would have gotten 11years like the lady in the above story.

  6. Liz on October 26th, 2016 10:01 am

    He should have been gone since the attempt of murder charge.

  7. Gary on October 26th, 2016 5:53 am

    Good riddance

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News