AN alleged April Fools prank at a Clarkson bank backfired when it resulted in a police operation and a man charged.
Officers have accused a 34-year-old Butler man of entering the Ocean Keys Boulevard outlet brandishing a replica firearm just after noon on April 1.
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Senior Sergeant Brad Burnett alleged the man demanded money before revealing it was an April Fools joke and running from the premises.
“He allegedly told customers to give him their money because it’s a robbery,” he said.
“He pulled the trigger a couple of times making a noise.
“He then allegedly yelled it’s an April Fools prank.”
Sen-Sgt Burnett explained the incident sparked a sizeable police response with Regional Investigation Unit officers attending because it was a reported robbery on a commercial building.
Officers detained the alleged prankster soon after at Ocean Keys shopping centre.
Police charged him with going armed in a way to cause fear.
They further alleged he was in possession of cannabis.
He is due to face Joondalup Magistrates Court on April 21.