Eric Williams, 34, was arrested a few blocks away from the scene of the crime and charged with first-degree robbery, criminal possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a permit, Lt. Paul Cicero said.
The incident happened just before 2:40 a.m. Friday when the victim said he was approached by a man in a gray sweatshirt carrying a black duffel bag near 440 Asylum Street, Cicero said.
The man asked for a cigarette and then pointed a silver handgun at the victim, ordering him to empty his pockets. Instead, the victim ran and his would-be robber took off east on Asylum Street.