In a galaxy far, far away, one man thought it would be clever idea to hold up a local convenience store while wearing a Darth Vader mask.

That, at least, is the allegation confronting Jacob Mercer, 32, after he was detained by police in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, when surveillance captured an attempted hold-up.

One store employee, who gave his name as Ricardo, told First Coast News that a man had entered the store on Sunday evening while carrying a gun.

“We looked at each other for a couple of seconds - it was a little scary,” he said.

Police say Jacob Mercer tried to hold up the store (Jacksonville Beach Police Department)

Police said that a store employee hit Mr Mercer with a wine bottle. The suspect then ran out of the store.

Police said Mr Mercer was taken into custody shortly afterwards. No one else was injured.