Woman Uses Pepper Spray to Rob Fast-Food Restaurant, Then Gambles Stolen Cash

Incident at Fast-Food Restaurant

On January 2nd, a woman named Kaudija Haynes was involved in a robbery at a Chick-fil-A drive-thru in Leeds, Alabama. Armed with pepper spray, she threatened the employees to hand over money. The workers, feeling intimidated, complied with her demands. After the robbery, she fled the scene hastily, nearly endangering some employees during her escape.

Police Pursuit and Arrest

Authorities were notified promptly, and law enforcement quickly located Haynes. She was found heading to Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka, Alabama, where she appeared to be using the stolen funds for gambling. Officers from the Wetumpka Police Department and the Poarch Creek Tribal Police Department collaborated in a pursuit. Haynes attempted to evade capture but ended up crashing her SUV. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and she was taken into custody.

Legal Charges and Detainment

Currently, Haynes is held at Elmore County Jail on charges including resisting arrest and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Plans are underway to transfer her to St. Clair County Jail, where she will face further charges such as robbery and reckless endangerment.

Comments from Leeds Police Chief

Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin addressed the matter, dispelling any romantic notions of robbery leading to financial gain. Though some speculate that Haynes may have been attempting to secure money to support her family, Irwin expressed concern over her decision to gamble the stolen cash rather than use it for immediate needs. He also suggested that her gambling behavior might have contributed to her difficult circumstances.

The chief reminded the public that most individuals who visit casinos do not leave with winnings, highlighting the risks associated with gambling.