ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Ormond Beach police said a robbery at a McDonald's restaurant was an inside job.
The incident happened early Monday morning after the restaurant on South Nova Road had closed, but the back door was left open, authorities said.
Police said the robber came in through a back door after getting a text from another employee telling them to go in.
"An employee who worked there came in with a gun, a mask, heavy jacket, all-dark clothing," said Officer Keith Walker of the Ormond Beach Police Department.
Police said the robber, an employee of the restaurant, armed with a handgun and wearing a mask and jacket, tied up two employees with zip ties, and then took money from the office.
Police said officers found Steve Wilbon, 19, near a home on Old Kings Road. They said he initially denied being involved, but eventually confessed and showed officers where he hid the firearm, stolen money and the mask and jacket they said he was wearing during the robbery.
Police said an employee on duty left the back door open for the Wilbon.
According to police, the restaurant's manager recognized Wilbon as the robbery was taking place.
"And she kept saying stuff to him, calling him by name and he would look over at her, you know. She know who he was," said Walker
Police also arrested McDonald's employee Carmanique Little, 27, who they said aided Wilbon.
According to police, while reviewing McDonald's security footage, officers said they noticed that an employee had been texting just prior to the robbery. Consent was given for the officers to look at the employee's messages. Police said texts were found that contained plans for the robbery with Wilbon.
"One of the last messages was, the suspect said, Mr. Wilbon, said, 'Have everybody get down and put their hands back because if I talk the manager is going to recognize my voice,'" said Walker.
Walker and Little are being held in jail without bond.