Wendy’s drive-thru burglary leads to arrest as accused slips through window with cash drawer

Orlando police say they have arrested a 24-year-old man believed to have forced his way into a Wendy’s drive‑thru booth and taken the register at gunpoint during a June incident. Authorities released footage of the encounter as part of an investigation that officials say identified the suspect more than a month after the robbery.

What officers say unfolded at the window

According to police accounts, the suspect pulled up to the restaurant, placed an order and then, when asked to pay, produced a firearm and demanded money. The employee fled, leaving the service booth unoccupied, and the suspect climbed through the opening and removed the register.

The individual arrested has been named by police as Randall T. Atwell, 24. He is accused of committing an armed robbery while wearing a mask.

How investigators tracked him down

Detectives with the department’s Violent Crimes Unit worked alongside crime scene investigators to review video evidence and other leads. Police publicly posted the footage in hopes of finding witnesses and new information; that outreach helped move the case forward, authorities said.

• Incident date: Morning of June 18, per police statement.
• Alleged actions: Displayed a firearm, climbed into the drive‑thru booth and removed the cash drawer.
• Charge: Robbery with a firearm while masked.
• Custody: The suspect is being held at the Orange County Jail.

Broader implications and next steps

Fast‑food workers are frequently in vulnerable positions at drive‑thrus, and crimes of this nature raise questions about employee safety and security protocols at service windows. Police say the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information to contact Orlando law enforcement.

Video released by the department will likely be part of the prosecution’s case; prosecutors must still file formal charges and move through the court process. For now, local officials and the restaurant industry face renewed pressure to review measures that protect staff and deter similar incidents.