Police: Knife-wielding man arrested in Irvine CVS

A 38-year-old man was arrested Monday on suspicion of trying to use a knife to rob an Irvine pharmacy, according to police.

Officers responded to a CVS at Alton Parkway and Jeffrey Road about 9:45 a.m. after employees there reported they thought someone was trying to rob them.

According to police, a man armed with a knife entered the store wearing a hood or beanie to conceal his identity.

The man went to the store’s pharmacy and stood by the counter but didn’t say anything, police said.

After a few moments, he fled without taking anything, according to authorities.

Irvine police said officers arrived and detained the man as he left.

The suspect allegedly had a butcher knife and a paring knife. Police arrested him on suspicion of attempted robbery.

Authorities identified the suspect as Michael John Morton of Laguna Hills.

Officials asked anyone with information about the case to contact the Irvine Police Department at (949) 724-7212.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck