FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man wearing a Halloween mask and carrying a machete tried to rob a grocery store during normal business hours, a Fort Lauderdale police officer said.
Darin Frank, 54, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, entered an Aldi chain grocery store at 1707 East Commercial Blvd. around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday while customers were shopping inside.
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Frank walked up behind a cashier and attempted to force open the till, police officers said.
After an unsuccessful effort to open the cash drawer, the cashier attempted to disarm Frank.
A scuffle ensued, sending the cashier to the floor with an undisclosed hand injury.
As Frank fled the scene his Halloween mask fell and store employees recognized him from a prior failed robbery attempt at the store. Frank fled north up Commercial Avenue on foot and K-9 officers responded.
Just after 11:30 p.m., Frank was apprehended at his home a few blocks from the grocery store. He was positively identified by witnesses, officials said.
Frank faces a first-degree felony charge for armed robbery with a deadly weapon.
Frank has had two prior arrests, both vehicle related offenses, court documents show.