Hartford: Saved by perm

Lubbock, TX -- A man who has just had a perm was held up at gunpoint but mysteriously let go by a mugger in an incident that has baffled police.

Brian Hartford, 34, said he was walking to his car after getting a perm at the Village Hairstyles Salon on 82nd St. when he was accosted by the would-be robber who was wearing a stocking over his face to conceal his identity. The gun-wielding man immediately demanded money, but paused after noticing Hartford's hair.

"He seemed to be mesmerized by my hair," Hartford said. "He just stared at it for a long time, and then told me 'Your hair is nice' before walking away."

Hartford said he contemplated running to his car to get his shotgun and chase after the would-be robber, but instead decided to call 911 to report the incident. Lubbock Police Officer Harold Kemp, who took Hartford's statement at the scene of the uncommitted crime, said they are working on identifying the hooligan, who may have mugged others in the area.

"Our criminal profiler is presently focusing on this guy's fascination with curly hair," said Kemp. "He can run, but he can't hide. We're gonna bag this curly-hair-adoring thug. It's only a matter of time."

Hartford said he is going to put the experience behind him and is thankful for the good job his beautician did on his hair.

"I'm just glad I got the perm. If that guy had gotten to me with my limp and lifeless hair, Christmas would've been very bleak this year," said Hartford.