(WBIR – KNOXVILLE) A Knoxville man is charged with one count of robbery after police said he went through a McDonald's drive-through, sprayed an employee in the face with an unknown chemical and grabbed the cash register drawer.
Thomas Oliver Hawkins, 24, is charged for the robbery at the McDonald's on the 2500 block of Chapman Highway around 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Witnesses were able to provide a description of Hawkins and his vehicle. The witnesses said the suspect had covered his license plate with some kind of paper that blue painter's tape held in place.
Knoxville police were able to locate the vehicle when an investigator found a piece of blue painter's tape stuck on the license plate at a West Knoxville apartment complex. Authorities said they could see in plain view the clothing worn during the robbery inside the vehicle.
Hawkins was spotted leaving an apartment, and was detained for questioning.
All but $3 stolen during the robbery were recovered from the suspect.
The McDonald's employee was treated on the scene for minor injuries.
Hawkins is being held on $15,000 bond.
