New London - A man who police say attempted to rob the Northern Indian restaurant Wednesday on State Street had a change of heart when the cooks confronted him with kitchen knives.

Police said that at 4:25 p.m. they responded to the restaurant for a report of a suspicious person.

When officers arrived, they learned that a masked man, later identified as Jerome Taylor, had entered the establishment from the Green Street service entrance and demanded money from the cooks. The victims said the man displayed a small handgun.

Police said the cooks grabbed some kitchen knives and refused to comply with Taylor's demands.

Once confronted, police said, Taylor became apologetic and said he was only kidding and needed money for his child.

Taylor fled and was captured several hours later after he led police on a foot chase in the area of 297 Bank St.

Police said Taylor confessed and claimed the handgun was a black iPhone.

Initially, the victims of the crime were reluctant to involve police because they felt sorry for Taylor in light of the holiday season.

Taylor told police that his child is in the care of a relative in Uncasville. Police said they will follow up today to make sure the child is not in danger.

Taylor, 20, of 76 Federal St., was charged with interfering with police, first-degree criminal attempt to commit first-degree robbery and criminal attempt to commit sixth-degree larceny.