Local man accused of trying to rob business

Franklin - A Franklin man accused of attempting to rob the Vitamin Shoppe in Brookfield before saying "never mind" and leaving the business, told investigators he was too intoxicated to remember the failed attempt, according to a criminal complaint.

Milan Lakic, 32, was held on $2,500 cash bond after making an initial appearance in Waukesha County Circuit Court on a felony charge of attempted robbery with threat of force Monday.

If convicted, Lakic could face more than seven years in prison and a $25,000 fine. He is scheduled to return to court for a hearing Dec. 19.

According to the criminal complaint:

Lakic reached into his back pocket and told a clerk at the Vitamin Shoppe, 15455 W. Bluemound Road, "Give me all your money" after he approached the register with a number of items just before 6:30 p.m. June 3.

The clerk told Lakic that another customer was in the store with a little girl, and Lakic replied, "I have a daughter, too."

Lakic then reached into his back pocket once again before he said "never mind" and left the store.

City of Brookfield police identified Lakic's truck and license plate number using security footage from a neighboring gas station. The vehicle was registered to a motel in Franklin, where Lakic and his wife have been staying.

His wife told investigators that Lakic struggled with alcoholism and was seeking treatment.

She said Lakic left the motel about 3 p.m. June 3 and was later found "highly intoxicated" and sleeping in his truck outside a family member's home in Franklin.

Lakic told investigators he was so intoxicated June 3 that he does not remember what he did that day.

Using a photo array, the clerk identified Lakic as the man who tried to rob the business.

According to online court records, Lakic has been convicted of drunken driving three times, with the last conviction in 2003.