A Mastic man is facing several charges after Nassau County police said he attempted to return a replica pistol that he was accused of taking from the Museum of American Armor just days earlier.

Gerard Asaro, 71, was taken into custody Wednesday at approximately 2:40 p.m. at the museum in Old Bethpage, according to Police.

Museum officials said the man called Wednesday to say he was going to return the gun. Nassau County police said Asaro told them that media attention led him to go back into the museum.

"One of our officials called the Nassau County Police Department and they stationed a couple of officers here when he came back," Museum of American Armor volunteer Kevin Carroll said. "They arrested him."

Nassau County police launched the investigation last Friday, June 6, when they released several pictures showing, who they now say is Asaro, in the museum.

Surveillance video shows the man, who police have now identified as Asaro, reaching into the holster from a World War II mannequin, pulling out a 1911 A1 45 caliber pistol, putting the replica weapon in his shorts pocket and walking out.

"We've prided ourselves on being accessible," Carroll said. "An intimate approach to history and that kind of steals that away."

Officials said police returned the gun to the museum, but the trigger mechanism and magazine release were both damaged. The museum is working to either repair the parts or replace the replica entirely.

Since the theft, officials have placed wire barriers to prevent the public from reaching into the displays, but said that's not a permanent solution.

"We are determined to continue our intimate teaching and display of World War II artifacts to honor World War II veterans," Carroll said.

Asaro was charged with third degree criminal mischief and petit larceny and released on an appearance ticket. He's due back in court on Tuesday, June 24.