Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon announced today that a 33-year-old Albany man has been formally charged for attacking two employees at the Wolf Road Taco Bell after trying to steal food orders.

Ahmad Morton was arraigned Wednesday on an eight-count indictment in front of the Honorable William Little that charges him with Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, and two counts of Burglary in the Second Degree.

On Nov. 9 at 11:32 p.m., Morton and Aryonna Rivera, 21, entered the Taco Bell at 56 Wolf Road in Colonie and began collecting mobile food orders. When staff asked for proof those orders were theirs, the two began attacking staff.

Morton allegedly stabbed and slashed one victim, while punching another and stealing her cell phone. Rivera fought with one employee and stole items. Colonie Police responded to the scene and after a brief police chase, the duo abandoned their white Mercedes on Central Avenue. They were found and arrested a short time after at Days Inn Hotel.

Morton pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and was remanded without bail to the custody of the Albany County Correctional Facility, while Rivera posted bail and is due back in court on Monday for arraignment.

Joseph Brucato, Assistant District Attorney and Bureau Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE.