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Attempted Robbery Of Retired Police Officer Leads To 3-Hour Standoff

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Authorities say a man surrendered to police Friday after an attempted robbery of a retired police officer led to a three-hour standoff.

The suspect, who may be suffering from mental illness, surrendered at about 1 a.m. Friday after a three-hour standoff with a SWAT team at Gregory's clothing store, 147 N. Robertson Blvd., police said.

The chain of events began with an attempted robbery at The Third Stop restaurant, 8636 W. Third Street, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center about 7:50 p.m. Thursday, police said. The suspect drew a knife and tried to rob the retired officer as he was having dinner in the restaurant with his girlfriend, Los Angeles police spokesman Lt. Andy Neiman said.

The retired officer responded by pulling out a handgun, and the suspect fled, LAPD spokeswoman Officer Wendy Reyes said.

The former officer pursued the man, who ran into Gregory's and locked himself in a rear bathroom.

After three hours of negotiations, the suspect was taken into custody without incident. His name was not released.

The suspect was booked on suspicion of attempted robbery. A knife was recovered, LAPD Sgt. Michael Ventura said.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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