The suspect was jailed on a $250,000 cash-only bond after prosecutors filed robbery-related charges.
FLORISSANT, Mo. — A fast-food worker stopped a suspected armed robber Monday after police said the man entered a Florissant KFC with a stolen handgun and threatened a manager.
The confrontation ended with employee Markell Hitchings holding the suspect, identified by police as 26-year-old Tamon Sleet, until officers arrived. The arrest followed a late-morning robbery report at the restaurant. Authorities said Sleet was later booked into the St. Louis County Jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond.
Florissant police said officers were called June 22 at about 11:48 a.m. after a man armed with a 9mm pistol confronted the manager behind the counter. Investigators said the suspect ordered the manager to open a safe and made a direct threat. Hitchings told KSDK he initially believed the man was just a customer. Moments later, he said, he saw the danger and acted.
Hitchings tackled the suspect and kept him restrained until police reached the restaurant. Police said the handgun used in the robbery had been stolen. Authorities have not released a full inventory of evidence or said whether the restaurant lost any money. No fatal injuries were reported. The manager’s name was not released in the initial public accounts.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants after reviewing the police report. Sleet faces robbery-related allegations and weapons accusations connected to the firearm. Police identified him as a St. Louis resident from the 2400 block of Redman Road. The case remains pending, and the charges are allegations unless proven in court.
The episode drew attention after Hitchings described the moment in calm terms. “I was never afraid at all,” he said in an interview with KSDK. The statement came as local reports described him as the person who prevented the suspect from leaving before officers could make an arrest.
Police said the next steps include continued evidence review and court proceedings in St. Louis County. Sleet remained in custody after the warrant announcement, and no next hearing date was immediately confirmed in the available public reports.
Author note: Last updated June 26, 2026.