A diligent cook at a Savage restaurant notified police during an armed robbery that turned into a high-speed chase, eventually ending in the arrest of a muddy suspect, Howard County police said.

About 10 p.m. Saturday, police said, an armed gunman walked into Avanti's Restaurant in the 8800 block of U.S. 1 and demanded cash.

The manager gave the gunman two money bags, containing several thousand dollars, said Sgt. Morris Carroll, a police spokesman.

The man then fled -- almost making a clean getaway.

But a cook slipped out a back door during the holdup, ran to a neighboring business and reported the crime while watching the robber hop into a waiting Volkswagen and drive away, Carroll said.

Pfc. Roch DeFrances spotted the car and followed it for several miles.

After the car headed east on Route 175 and south on U.S. 1, the driver stopped at Crestmount Road and the passenger bailed out, Carroll said.

Police found the two money bags and a pellet gun nearby and took the driver into custody for questioning, Carroll said.

About 3 a.m. Sunday, Officer Patrick Eckley found a man matching the suspect's description, covered in mud, at Routes 175 and 108, Carroll said.

Charged with armed robbery and being held without bail at the Howard County Detention Center is Eddie Dotson, 25, of the 8000 block of Footed Ridge in Long Reach.

Charges are pending against the driver, Carroll said.

Pub Date: 10/06/98