WALLINGFORD — A 16-year-old faces charges after police said he tried to rob a local gas station using an airsoft rifle late Tuesday night. 

The incident occurred at Citgo Food Bag, 326 S. Colony Road, around 11:40 p.m.  The teen pointed what appeared to be an “assault rifle” at a clerk and demanded money, police said. The clerk persuaded the teen not to follow through with the robbery and he ran off north on South Colony Road (Route 5) wearing a black sweatshirt and gray camouflage mask.

Officers found the suspect in the area of Quinnipiac and Washington Streets with what appeared to be the barrel of a rifle sticking out of his backpack, police said. Officers apprehended him and determined the item was an airsoft rifle.

The 16-year-old was charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree robbery, breach of peace and carrying a dangerous weapon. He was scheduled to appear in juvenile court on Wednesday. 

Reporter Lauren Sellew can be reached at lsellew@record-journal.com.