Watch CBS News

Employees Bag BK Robbery Suspect

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A Ft. Lauderdale man apparently thought he had a foolproof plan to rob a Burger King restaurant. What he didn't count on was that the restaurant's employees wouldn't take to kindly to being robbed and would do something about it.

According to Ft. Lauderdale police, 31-year old Edwin Walker planned his robbery attempt for just after 6 a.m. Monday morning.

Based on surveillance tapes from the restaurant, at 666 West Broward Boulevard, detectives said Walker waited for a customer to pull up to the drive-thru window and hand the employee some money for food. When the cash register was opened, police said Walker jumped on the hood of the customer's vehicle and then dove into the Burger King through the open drive-thru window.

"All of a sudden this guy came thru the window trying to take the money and I just tussled with him," said Tanya Calvin.

Once inside, the tape shows Walker push Calvin aside and then grab cash out of the open register.

He then tried to get back out the drive-thru window but Calvin slammed it shut.

"Just to see somebody come through the window like that, it was like a Jet Li movie," said Calvin, "I don't know, my reaction was just to grab him."

Calvin grabbed Walkers shirt and then snatched the money out of his hand.

"I was in shock. I was thinking about my life. It was either me or him and he lost," said Calvin.

Other employees then came to her aid and wrestled Walker to the ground.

"She wouldn't let this guy get out with the money," said police spokesman Detective Travis Mandell. "She held on to him and she saved the day basically, otherwise he would have been long gone."

Co-worker Reggie Grayson, who held Walker down until police arrived, actually body slammed Walker when he tried to get up. Grayson is an experienced wrestler.

"At any point did you think he was going to get away from you," asked CBS4's Td Scouten.

"No, I knew he wasn't going to get away," said Grayson, "Because I work out a lot."

Walker was charged with one count of strong arm robbery.

During his hearing, Walker told the judge he had problems.

"I have a drug and alcohol problem," said Walker sounding weak and confused.

"Do you have anyone who can bond you out," asked the judge.

"No sir, I'm homeless and I have full blown HIV," replied Walker. "I just wanted something to eat."

Bond was set at $10,000.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.