A Granite City man was charged Wednesday with attempted aggravated robbery after trying to rob a store but leaving once other customers arrived.
According to a press release from Madison County Sheriff John Lakin, sheriff's deputies were called at 5:54 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, to Curly’s Corner Market, 5527 Maryville Road, about an attempted robbery. The clerk told police a man, later identified as Eric S. Brown, 31, of the 3100 block of West Chain Of Rocks Road, approached the counter and asked who owned a vehicle on the parking lot. After the clerk told him the vehicle belonged to another employee, Brown demanded keys to the vehicle and money from the register. When the clerk told him she couldn't open the register, Brown leaned against the counter, placed his hand near his pocket and said “do you think this is a joke?” and “do you want to get shot?”
As the event escalated, the clerk said several customers entered the business. Brown changed his demeanor, told her “I’m just joking” and tried to buy an alcoholic beverage with a credit card, which was declined. Brown left the store and walked toward Sunny Shores Trailer Park.
The responding deputies developed information which led them to Brown’s residence. Deputies were advised Brown matched the description of the suspect and recently had moved to the area. Deputies found Brown inside the home, arrested him and found a black pellet handgun in his pants pocket.
The felony warrant and information was issued by Judge Neil Schroeder, who set Brown’s bond at $80,000. Brown remains in the custody of the Madison County Jail.