Video shows man forcing himself through drive-thru window in attempt to rob a Wendy’s

Updated: Aug 11, 2020 / 07:51 PM CDT

TAMPA (News Nation/WFLA) — Surveillance video from a Tampa area Wendy’s shows a man climbing through a drive-thru window in an attempt to rob the fast food restaurant.

26-year-old Kelvin Barnes pulled up to the drive-thru window at the restaurant around 11 p.m. on Aug. 2 with other passengers, Hillsborough County deputies said. Employees told deputies at some point while placing an order, the group started acting belligerent.

Barnes approached the front of the restaurant but was met by an employee who told deputies that Barnes had threatened to start a physical fight. Barnes then walked back to the drive-thru window and forced his upper body through, authorities said.

Surveillance video from inside the restaurant shows Barnes grabbing cups and straws off the counter and throwing them onto the floor. He then grabbed the cash drawer but dropped it when employees approached him, deputies said.

Barnes drove away in gray 2020 Nissan Maxima with the Tennessee license plate 2V72W7, deputies said. Deputies are still searching for Barnes.

“We have clear surveillance video of this suspect and are asking everyone to take a good look and call us if they know where Kelvin Barnes is hiding,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “He didn’t get away with any money, but the damage and hostility this restaurant and its employees faced is unacceptable and we will make sure Barnes learns his lesson.”

According to the sheriff’s office, Barnes was driving a rental car. The rental company says it is now in the process of filing a failure-to-return report with the Tampa International Airport Police Department.

Deputies said Barnes has a Georgia driver’s license and no known local address. He is facing burglary, criminal mischief and theft charges, according to the sheriff’s office.