A 43-year-old Birmingham man is under arrest after authorities say he snatched cash from the cash register at a Hoover restaurant.

Zungi Taro Moffett is charged with third-degree robbery. He was taken into custody by Birmingham police on Wednesday, said Hoover police Lt. Chuck McDonald.

The robbery happened March 21, about 9 p.m., at Chow Town Grill and Buffet. McDonald said Moffett forced open the register and took $150. Employees then confronted the suspect and tried to hold him until police arrived.

Moffett pushed one of the employees to the ground and, after a brief struggle, fled the scene. He is charged with robbery because of the physical force he used during the theft. His bond is set at $5,000.

Court records show Moffett has previous convictions for crimes including second-degree robbery, theft, drug distribution, unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, possession of marijuana and possession of a forged instrument.

"Mr. Moffett has an extensive criminal history and we are pleased to have him charged and arrested with this offense,'' McDonald said.