By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
A Salisbury man faces multiple charges after police say he tried to rob a clerk at Sonic Drive-in late Tuesday.
Darryl Lee Atwell, 38, of 3225 W. Innes St., is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license revoked.
Atwell remained in the Rowan County Detention Center under $25,000 bond Wednesday.
The Salisbury Police Department investigated the incident, which occurred around 10:30 p.m.
Police say Atwell placed an order in the drive-through lane. But when he got to the window, he demanded money and told the clerk he had a weapon.
The manager closed the window and got her employees out the back of the building.
Police set up a roadblock and arrested Atwell a short time later on Wilson Road.
Officers did not find a weapon and Atwell told them he did not actually have a gun or other weapon.
He told authorities he was unemployed.
Salisbury Police Deputy Chief Steve Whitley called the manager’s actions sharp and quick for closing the window and getting her employees to safety.
He added that officers were also quick to respond and set up a perimeter in the vicinity of the restaurant.
Officers found a metal-stemmed smoking device in Atwell’s car, leading to the drug paraphernalia charge.