Elderly Texas Man Terrorized Employees of Discount Stores With Airsoft Gun During Robbery Spree

A 70-year-old Texas man who terrorized San Antonio businesses with an airsoft gun—which workers thought was a real firearm— during a robbery spree will spend over six years in federal prison, officials announced.

James Anthony Kirkwood was sentenced to 78 months behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery, a federal crime that involves the use of force, threats, or intimidation to commit theft that affects interstate commerce.

Between January 28 and January 31, 2023, he hit six different chain stores, including two Dollar General stores, two Dollar Trees, a PetSmart, and a Big Lots. Employees mistook the Airsoft gun for a real firearm, exacerbating the fear and chaos during the robberies, according to court documents viewed by local news.

The robberies unfolded over just three days despite Kirkwood already being on state parole for a prior aggravated robbery conviction.

After an extensive investigation, police tracked Kirkwood down and arrested him on February 13, 2023. By July 2024, he pleaded guilty and admitted to the robberies.

Federal prosecutors pointed to the seriousness of Kirkwood's crimes, the fear he instilled in employees, and the disruption he caused to businesses.