Man in Halloween mask, carrying machete attempts to rob grocery store

Darin Frank, 54, attempted to rob an Aldi grocery store while customers shopped

Darin Frank, 54, was apprehended by Fort Lauderdale police officers after he allegedly attempted to rob an Aldi grocery store with a machete, while wearing a Halloween mask.

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.

Recommended Videos



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.