Alleged fast-food robber caught
By John Joyce
Published in News on April 14, 2014 1:47 PM
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William Earl Warren Jr.
One man is in custody and police are searching for two others following the armed robbery of the McDonald's at 1501 U.S. Highway 70 W. just after 1 a.m. today.
A store manager was struck in the head with a handgun during the robbery.
William Earl Warren Jr., 25, 315 E. Walnut St., is charged first-degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of stolen goods, and possession of a stolen firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently being held in the Wayne County Jail under a $250,000 secured bond.
The Goldsboro Police Department has identified a second suspect, Joseph Simms, 25, 151 Wharton Drive. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police are still searching for a third particpant.
According to a Goldsboro police report, two black males jumped through the drive-thru window and took an undisclosed amount of money from the cash registers and safe.
A third man stood outside and acted as lookout.
While inside, one of the suspects struck manager Larry Eugene Norman III, 26, in the head with a handgun.
King said Norman was not seriously injured and did not require medical attention.
The suspects left the store through a rear exit and fled north on foot, according to the report.
Once police arrived on scene, a vehicle description was taken and distributed to local law enforcement, Maj. Al King said.
A deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office located the suspect's vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 70.
"The money and the weapon were recovered from the vehicle," King said.
Anyone with information regarding the robbery is asked to contact the Goldsboro Police Department at 919-580-4242, or call Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255. Text tips to Crime Stoppers at 919-222-4230. Tips remain anonymous and information leading to a felony arrest is eligible for a cash reward.