Man tries to hide stolen money in bathroom

Published 9:22 am Monday, November 2, 2015

A man reported being robbed at knifepoint on Halloween night.

Police received reports that John Ashley Murdock, 37, approached an acquaintance of his and asked if the man would loan him some money to buy food. When the other man pulled out the bills, Murdock allegedly pulled out a knife. According to the report, Murdock stole $200 and then went towards Tattoo Inferno on North Green Street. The man followed, and the two allegedly got into a scuffle outside the business.

According to the report, Murdock escaped and ran towards the Hardee’s on East Innes Street. The man’s wife followed them, and when police arrived, she reported that Murdock met up with another man, a Patrick Leffew, 54. She said she overheard Murdock telling Leffew to “go hide this in the bathroom,” and directed officers towards McDonald’s. Police recovered $200 in cash from the baby changing station in the McDonald’s bathroom.

Murdock was charged with robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons and was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $7,500 secured bond. He has previously been charged in Rowan County with assault on a female and financial card fraud.

Leffew was charged with aiding and abetting and was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond. Leffew has previously been charged in Rowan County with producing a worthless check and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.