Police arrest Port Orange robbery suspect

PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Police in Port Orange have arrested the man who they said robbed a business and attempted to rob a hair salon Saturday afternoon.

The attempted robbery happened just before 2:00 p.m. at the Family Cuts Salon on Nova Road. Police said the suspect initially asked about a haircut, but then handed over a note demanding money. An employee forced the suspect out of the store and he fled empty handed, according to investigators.

The second incident happened just 10 minutes later at Nina's Décor and More on Ridgewood Avenue, police said. The suspect, who has been identified as 43-year-old Michael Earls, allegedly stole the cash register and kicked a small dog before fleeing in a white pickup truck.

Shortly after, Earls' pickup truck was spotted as it headed northbound on Ridgewood Avenue into South Daytona, according to investigators. The suspect allegedly fled from South Daytona officers when they tried to stop him.

After a brief pursuit, Earls was taken into custody, police said. He is facing several charges, including robbery, attempted robbery and animal cruelty.

WFTV