Debra Johnson Admits Lighting Vending Machine On Fire After It Swallowed Her Money

FIRED UP! Woman Lit Vending Machine On Fire After It Ate Her Money

When Debra Johnson lost some money in a 7-Up soda machine, she got a little fired up -- and set the offending machine on fire.

The incident happened last weekend at a Piggly Wiggly store in New Bern, N.C. when firefighters were called about a blaze in front of the building.

Once investigators determined that a drink machine was enflamed, they checked surveillance video and, according to WCTI-TV, saw a woman later identified as Johnson kicking the machine.

Police say she set the money-stealing machine on fire by lighting a newspaper and stuffing it inside the machine. She then grabbed a drink from another machine and walked away.

The resulting pyrotechnical display melted everything inside the machine, including all $35 worth of change, according to police reports.

"I'll represent myself, 'cause I'm guilty," Johnson stated, according to KLTV-TV. "I don't need a lawyer to lie for me, cause I'mma tell you I done it."

Johnson is currently in jail in lieu of a $10,000 bond. She is due back in court this week.

Before You Go

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot