Union-Bulletin

WALLA WALLA -- A man who tried to rob a downtown tavern in December pleaded guilty to a reduced charge Monday afternoon in Walla Walla County Superior Court.

Bernard D. Falconer, 56, entered the guilty plea to the amended charge of second-degree robbery, which with a deadly-weapon enhancement carries a total standard-range prison term of 15-21 months.

Falconer didn't get any money when he tried to hold up Fat Cat's Tavern & Grill, 430 W. Main St., but pretended to have a gun.

He could have faced about 2 to 2 1/2 years had he been convicted of first-degree attempted robbery, as initially charged. But the prosecution agreed to reduce the case in exchange for his guilty plea.

Sentencing will be held later. The prosecution is recommending a midrange, 18-month prison term.

Police said Falconer -- who reportedly was homeless -- entered Fat Cat's about 4:45 p.m. Dec. 2 and twice demanded $200 from the female bartender.

She was afraid he had a gun because the second time he told her to give him the money, he "motioned both hands from in his (coat) pockets upwards towards her," according to a police report filed in court.

He went around the bar and started to reach for the cash register, but left without any money after being confronted by the bartender and a witness, officials said.

Falconer was apprehended nearby. No gun was found.

Terry McConn can be reached at terrymcconn@wwub.com or 526-8319.