THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 22, 1994 TAG: 9406220436
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE MATHER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940622 LENGTH: VIRGINIA BEACH
He left with $3 in his pocket and a knot on his head.
{REST} Police say a local man Reynolds hired to help with the show hit him with a tire iron and stole his money.
Detectives on Tuesday arrested the man they say is responsible for the crime. Sgt. Tony Zucaro said Robert Turner, 30, of the 1800 block of Colonial Arms Drive was charged with the robbery.
``Detective Mike Collins was very confident he could arrest him,'' Reynolds said by telephone from Ohio. ``He said, `Give me one day and I'll get him,' which he obviously did. I'm very grateful.''
Reynolds said he spent six months preparing for the annual event that showcases the works of artists and craftsmen. Reynolds even won an award.
But he left the Oceanfront devastated.
When the thief snatched Reynolds' attache case - after Reynolds offered to buy him breakfast Monday - gone was $3,000 cash and as much as $40,000 in deposits and orders, which included checks and credit-card receipts for big-ticket items, like dining room sets. Reynolds' insurance wouldn't cover the loss, he said.
``The whole way home I could only think how devastated we were,'' said Reynolds, who, with a couple of partners, owns a company named Oak Heritage. ``I was wondering if we could recover from this.''
After four days of working with Turner, Reynolds said he drove past him on 22nd Street on his way back to Ohio. Reynolds stopped and offered Turner breakfast, he said.
Turner accepted the offer. But, moments later, he grabbed a tire iron in the truck's cab and whacked Reynolds on the head, Reynolds said. Turner snatched the money and paperwork, Reynolds told police.
``I was completely broke,'' Reynolds said. ``I was calling everyone I could to wire me money. . . . I was pretty well stuck.''
As Reynolds lamented over coffee at the Trade Winds Hotel, the manager learned of his plight. Reynolds was given a free room and complimentary meals.
``And I didn't even stay there that weekend,'' Reynolds said. ``They knew I was broke, and they took real good care of me. I appreciate that.''
Reynolds said his only record of some sales or deposits were in the stolen attache case. He asks that patrons who placed a deposit on furniture call him at (513) 767-1660 to confirm their orders.
{KEYWORDS} ROBBERY
by CNB