photo by: Lawrence Police Department

Lawrence Police have identified Marcus X. Young as the suspect in an aggravated robbery May 15, 2017, at Long John Silver’s and A&W.

A man who allegedly robbed a Lawrence fast-food restaurant last year while armed with a knife was granted probation in the case.

Douglas County District Court Judge Sally Pokorny this week sentenced Marcus X. Young, 26, of Kansas City, Kan., to two years of probation, according to Cheryl Wright Kunard, assistant to Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson. She said his underlying sentence, which the judge could order if he fails on probation, is a year in prison.

The robbery occurred around 8:30 p.m. May 15, 2017, at the Long John Silver’s and A&W restaurant at 1501 W. 23rd St., which has since closed.

Lawrence police said a man entered the business, brandished an “edged weapon,” demanded money, then fled the scene with cash. During the incident, the suspect allegedly hit an employee, though not with the weapon.

Police shared surveillance photos of the suspect on social media. Young was arrested in the Kansas City area.

Young was charged with one count of aggravated robbery, a felony, for allegedly taking money from the employee by threat of bodily harm or by force while armed with a “machete,” according to the initial complaint.

Charges were later downgraded to aggravated burglary, a felony, and theft, a misdemeanor, according to court records. Young eventually pleaded guilty to and was convicted of attempted aggravated burglary.

Young’s initial $100,000 bond was reduced to $5,000, according to court records. He posted bond about a month after his arrest and remained free throughout the rest of his case.

In addition to routine bond conditions, court documents say Young was ordered not to enter any Long John Silver’s “anywhere in the United States.”

That order no longer applies. Wright Kunard said his probation conditions don’t include anything about the restaurant.