Man tries to rob Chinese restaurant as cops dine

[March 24, 2009]  LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) -- A Massachusetts man had some misfortune when he allegedly tried to rob a Chinese restaurant. Four plainclothes police officers were enjoying their dinner at the time.

The man was arraigned Thursday in Lawrence District Court on charges of unarmed robbery, larceny, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest.

Authorities said he went into the Golden House Restaurant on Wednesday night and asked the cashier to change a quarter. When she opened the register, the man allegedly grabbed $150.

The Eagle-Tribune reports that the owner yelled "Robbery, police!" Sgt. Robert Michaud, officers Ivan Resto, Marco Ayala and Jaime Adames chased the man out of the restaurant and captured him after a brief foot chase.

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Information from: The Eagle-Tribune, http://www.eagletribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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