AKRON, Ohio — A suspected robber believed to armed with a knife was scared off by a restaurant owner who pulled a handgun on the man, according to police.

Police say they believe the masked suspect is responsible for the armed robbery of another bar later that same night.

According to police, the owner of Two Monk’s Brewery Company saw the man, who was wearing a ski mask, enter the restaurant on Massillon Road at about 7 p.m. Friday.

The owner tells police he saw the man started walking toward the bar and made a motion toward his waistband as if he was about to pull out a knife. That’s when the owner pulled out a handgun, causing the suspect to run from the restaurant.

At about 9:30 p.m., workers at Italo’s Pizza at 1910 Brown St. say a man armed with a knife and wearing a black mask and dressed in all-black clothing entered the restaurant and jumped over the counter. He took cash from the register and ran from the restaurant.

The suspect in the Monk’s attempted robbery was 5-foot-10 to 6-foot and was wearing a black ski mask, black leather jacket, black pants and purple rubber gloves.

The suspect in the second robbery was wearing all black and was estimated to be 18 to 23 years old.

Police say anyone with information can call detectives at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP, or Summit County Crimestoppers Inc. at 330-434-COPS. People also can also text TIPSCO with tips to 274637 (Crimes).

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