Police: Man used dessert box in attempted robbery

CHARLESTON (AP) — Charleston police say a man tried to rob a movie rental store with an unusual weapon — an empty cheesecake box.

Earlier this week, the suspect placed the box on the counter of the Movie Gallery with a note saying it contained a bomb. He told the clerk the bomb would be detonated remotely if he wasn’t given cash.

The clerk refused and the suspect fled.

Police arrested 43-year-old Paul Parrish II of Charleston on Wednesday.

Sgt. Aaron James says Parrish allegedly confessed after he was shown a store video of the attempted robbery. Parrish allegedly told police he needed money for gas and cigarettes.

Parrish is charged with first-degree robbery. He’s being held at South Central Regional Jail and doesn’t yet have an attorney.