Officers who responded to the restaurant on a report of an armed robbery and were canvassing the area observed the suspect, identified as Carlos Perez, walking on Highland Avenue wearing a dark ski mask and carrying what appeared to be a handgun.
Officers immediately ordered him to get down to the ground and drop his weapon. Perez complied by getting to his knees and dropping the weapon, which was later determined to be an air gun.
Police say Perez had previously entered the White Castle, displayed what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money. The suspect failed to get any money and fled the scene, at which time he was stopped by the responding officers.
Perez, 48, reports being homeless. He was booked for first-degree attempted robbery.
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