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Officers were called to the location on Shoppers Square in Manassas on a report of a robbery around 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, according to the Prince William County Police Department.
David Obed Melara, 22, entered the store and walked past the front counter towards the kitchen area, authorities said.
"While in the kitchen, the accused retrieved food items from the freezer and began cooking them before lifting up his shirt and revealing a knife to an employee," police said in a statement.
The man then grabbed his unpaid meal and left the restaurant, police added. However, before he could flee, he waved the knife at another worker who tried to confront him in the parking lot, authorities said.
No injuries were reported.
Responding officers used a police K-9 and helicopter to search for the suspect, who they say was known to the employees.
An arrest warrant was later issued for Melara, of Manassas Park. He was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 13 without incident and charged with robbery, police said.
He was being held without bond and is awaiting his next court date.
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