MERRILLVILLE | A Gary man claiming to be God wanted his slippers -- right now.

Instead, he was arrested at a Merrillville Payless Shoes store.

Police filed two counts of attempted robbery, two counts of criminal confinement and intimidation charges against Richard Brewer Jr., Detective Jeff Rice said.

Brewer, 50, entered the store on Broadway about 1 p.m. Thursday, and asked two employees for socks and slippers. The employees gave Brewer the socks he was looking for, Rice said, and told him they didn't have the slippers.

Rice said Brewer then moved closer to the employees and told them he was God.

"He said 'When God speaks to you you're supposed to give him everything,'" Rice said.

The employees realized Brewer was attempting to rob the business, Rice said, and Brewer also told the employees since he is God and visiting them, they would die soon.

Rice said Brewer allowed one employee to tend to a customer in the store but stayed with the other employee and held her by her arm.

He said the unhindered employee set off a silent alarm and ran to neighboring Murray's Auto Parts to call police.

Rice said Brewer had no weapons and caused no injuries.