Central Florida Man With AK-47 Charged in Attempted Robberies

Police say a man carrying a loaded rifle attempted to rob two stores before being arrested.

The Ocala Star-Banner reports that 64-year-old Ernest Pate was charged on Sunday with attempted robbery with a firearm and other charges.

A Marion County Sheriff's Office report says Pate was wearing all black and carrying the AK-47 on Saturday when he entered two different stores.

In the first, a clerk told police he was kneeling behind the counter restocking cigarettes when a man armed with a rifle entered and briefly talked with two patrons before leaving.

Deputies say Pate next went to a neighboring store and asked an employee if they were ``ready to be robbed.'' Officials say Pate then said he was joking and left.

Officers later found Pate walking down the street and located the weapon.