Dotson v. State

Banke, Judge.

The defendant was convicted of robbery, aggravated assault, armed escape, and kidnapping. The robbery indictment alleged that he took a .38-caliber pistol from the victim “by use of force.” The defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support this charge. Held:.

1. The evidence showed that while on a prisoner trash-pickup detail with an armed guard, the defendant distracted the guard and snatched his pistol from his holster. The offense of robbery may be committed by use of force, by intimidation, or by sudden snatching. See Code § 26-1901. Force is implicit in…