Bensalem police nab homeless bank robber after he hails a cab to McDonald’s

Bensalem Township Police on Friday caught up with a man who allegedly robbed a bank – and assaulted a K-9 dog – after they say the suspect hailed a cab to a McDonald’s near the scene of the crime.

Police said Maurice Ray, 22, robbed the Fulton Bank on the 2100 block of Street Road shortly before 5 p.m. by presenting the teller with a note stating he had a gun. After making away with an undisclosed amount of cash, Ray allegedly fled on foot behind several homes, discarding some of his clothing as he made his getaway.

Bensalem police continued to search the area using a K-9 dog from Bristol Township. They said they caught up with Ray, who is homeless, about 40 minutes after the robbery when they noticed a cab arrive at the McDonald’s on Street Road.

As officers entered the fast food chain, they saw a man later identified as Ray. Investigators said as police attempted to detain Ray, he threw a chair at them, missing the officers, but striking their dog. Ray then allegedly threw a second chair and was subsequently Tased. Police said he continued to fight as he was taken into custody, but neither the officers nor the police dog were injured.

Ray, who investigators say admitted to the crime, is charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, terroristic threats and five counts of aggravated assault on a police officer – including a K-9 dog. He was arraigned on Friday and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $150,000 bail.