Suspect in Zaxby's Armed Robbery Arrested

Shortly after a Tuesday armed robbery of a local Zaxby's restaurant, police had a suspect in custody. 

Police arrested and charged Daniel Smith, 18, of Lithonia, with the afternoon armed robbery. He was stopped at the corner of Ross Road and Portchester Way after a vehicle chase through the streets of Snellville that ended in a fire.

During the chase, Smith's vehicle struck a black Mercedes, and also hit a brick wall at the entrance of a subdivision at Porchester Way. The vehicle began to catch fire after the impact, and police officers worked with extinguishers to try dousing the flames before fire fighters arrived, according to a report. 

As the flames grew, an officer noticed a blue duffle bag inside the car and grabbed it. Money fell out out the bag onto the car floor board, and other officers joined the quick effort to preserve evidence, the report stated.

Police said they also found a handgun on the suspect.

A police report indicates that Smith "admitted to the robbery once at headquarters." Reports also state that Smith admitted to using a stolen vehicle.

The Zaxby's robbery happened after the lunchtime rush, about 3 p.m. on Feb. 22, according to a police report provided by the Gwinnett County Police Department. Police were dispatched to the 3200 block of Centerville Highway at approximately 3:18 for a robbery in progress.

Witnesses said a male suspect entered the Zazby's from a side door armed with a small silver handgun. The masked assailant then ordered employees to lie down on the ground while he took money from the cash registers and a safe, according to a police report.

Customers were also present at the time of the armed robbery, according to a police report. No injuries at the restaurant were indicated.

Witnesses told police that the suspect was wearing gloves, a long-sleeve black hooded sweatshirt, a black mask partially covering his face and black material on his head.

The police report stated that the suspect fled the scene in what appeared to be gold Nissan Altima. Following the suspect's arrest, police impounded the stolen vehicle.

In addition to armed robbery Smith was also charged with: Theft by receiving, a felony; fleeing and eluding police; hit and run; reckless driving; driving on the wrong side of the road; and failure to maintain lane.

He is currently in custody at the Gwinnett County Detention Center.