Nassau Man Attacked Drive-Through Cashier During Robbery: Police

A Mineola man was arrested on Saturday after police say he attacked the cashier at a drive-through and tried to steal the cash register.

According to police, Francis Ellis, 58, of 5 Russell Drive, drove up to the drive-through at Taco Bell, at 490 Peninsula Blvd., at 12:55 a.m. Police say he got out of his car, lunged into the window and grabbed the drive-through cashier. He then tried to take the cash register, police said, but couldn't. He then got back into his car and fled, said police.

At 1:30 a.m., police say Ellis was pulled over by an officer for a traffic infraction. The officer determined that Ellis was wanted for an unrelated grand larceny and was placed under arrest, police said. While he was being processed by officers, police say it was determined he was the one involved in the attack at the Taco Bell.

Ellis is charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree attempted robbery, third-degree grand larceny and two vehicle and traffic law violations. He was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Saturday.

Photo: Nassau County Police Department