Disguised man's robbery attempt foiled by alert citizen

Police say an alert citizen foiled a robbery attempt at a Douglasville jewelry store.

Denikko Becton, 20, of College Park was charged with armed robbery, possession of tools for the commission of an armed robbery and theft.

Investigators said he walked in Empire Jewelers on Douglas Boulevard wearing a disguise in mid-January.

Police said he wearing a hat with fake dreadlocks, glasses and gloves.

Douglasville's police chief told Channel 2's Erica Byfield an employee of a neighboring business saw Becton adjust his disguise in the parking lot and then called for help.

"It seemed odd and she called 911 and a couple of officers responded," said Chief Chris Womack.

Police said Becton had a pellet gun hidden in his pants.

One of the co-owners of the jewelry store said he's grateful someone called 911.

"We are very thankful someone saw what was happening, and it could have saved many people's lives. There was no telling," Glenn Easterwood said.

Womack said Becton bought the hat with the dreadlocks and pellet gun in two Douglasville stores a few hours before the robbery.

Police also say Becton stole a car tag and put the stolen tag on his car.

Becton is out on bond.