EDWARDSVILLE (US), June 18 A Michigan man intent on robbing a motorist unwittingly followed her in his car straight to a sheriff's department, where he was arrested.

The 26-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday and jailed on charges of attempted armed robbery and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Authorities say the woman called police saying a man had tried to rob her at gunpoint when he pulled alongside her to ask for directions. She had her three children in the car with her.

Investigators say a dispatcher guided the woman to a nearby sheriff's department while the suspect followed, realising too late where she was headed. He was arrested a short time later. —AP