Police arrest man in Bountiful paintball mask robberies

BOUNTIFUL — Police have arrested a man they say robbed at least three convenience stores in Bountiful and Salt Lake City while wearing a paintball face mask.

Just after 5 a.m. Monday, employees at a Bountiful Sinclair gas station reported a man wearing a paintball mask and wielding a large kitchen knife had robbed them, said Bountiful Police Lt. Randy Pickett.

Police officers in the area stopped a speeding car and arrested Leonard Bender, 29, of Bountiful. He was booked into the Davis County Jail for investigation of aggravated robbery.

Bender's description matched that of a man who robbed a Bountiful Maverik store earlier Monday and a Salt Lake City Maverik store Sunday night, Pickett said.

Bender said less than $150 was taken during the two Bountiful robberies.

— Josh Smith