A Greenville man is in custody after a failed robbery attempt late Friday night.

Spencer Powell, 23, has been arrested and charged with robbery, first degree, and assault, second degree, after he attempted to rob a local businessman just before midnight.

According to Greenville Police Department Lt. Justin Lovvorn, Powell approached the victim as he was leaving his business. He pulled a gun and demanded money. A struggle ensued and the suspect struck the victim on the head with the gun.

Both men then ran off in separate directions.

The victim notified police and was able to provide a detailed description of the suspect.

“With the description he gave us we were able to located the suspect a few blocks over from where the incident took place,” Lovvorn said. “When we approached him he took off running into the wooded area near World Street.”

Officers captured Powell in the woods and took him into custody.

He was then placed in a lineup and identified by the victim.

The next morning authorities were able to locate the pistol used in the attack.

“We knew it had to be out there, but that night it was so dark we couldn’t find it, so we called off the search and came back early the next morning and were able to locate the pistol and tie Powell to the robbery,” Lovvorn said.  “It was probably 20 or 30 feet from where we took him into custody the night before.”