Gulf Shores Police swiftly apprehended a suspect following an armed robbery attempt at an Arby's restaurant, where patrons resisted the assailant's demands, leading to his eventual capture.

On April 28, at approximately 3:33 p.m., authorities responded to a distress call reporting an armed robbery at the Arby's situated at 1515 Gulf Shores Parkway. According to the Gulf Shores Police Department, a male assailant entered the premises brandishing a pistol, demanding cash and car keys from an employee.

Upon arrival, law enforcement was briefed that the suspect had already fled the scene after the employee alerted the manager. However, the assailant's flight was not without further attempted crimes. Outside the restaurant, the suspect targeted two patrons, coercing them to surrender their vehicle keys, albeit unsuccessfully.

The patrons refused to comply with the demands, prompting the suspect to flee on foot, heading north on Gulf Shores Parkway. Minutes later, officers managed to intercept and apprehend the suspect in the 1800 block of Gulf Shores Parkway.

Identified as 23-year-old Preston Hope Northan of Fairhope, the suspect was promptly taken into custody. Northan faces charges of two counts of robbery in the first degree.

During a subsequent search of the area, a Gulf Shores Police Department K9 unit uncovered the weapon used in the attempted robberies. The recovered item was identified as a BB gun, designed to resemble a semi-automatic pistol.

The Gulf Shores Police Department urges anyone with additional information regarding this incident to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigation.