But in this case police say it was the robber who was locked out of his car.
Officers in Stanton, Texas, charge John Wilkinson used a caulking gun wrapped in cloth to steal prescription drugs from a pharmacy.
Police report Wilkinson left the engine running in his getaway car.
But he locked himself out, with the keys still in the ignition.
Stanton Police Chief Mike Adams says Wilkinson tried to make a run for it.
He was wounded by officers during a short chase.
According to the Midland Reporter-Telegram, the accused locked-out robber was treated at a hospital, then booked into the county jail.