MOUNDSVILLE — Authorities have arrested a Belmont County man after an attempted robbery at a local pizza shop.

According to reports, at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday, a Domino’s Pizza employee called 911, alerting Moundsville police that a man dressed in black had attacked her with pepper spray before assaulting her. Police said the alleged victim was able to fight back against the assailant successfully by striking him in the groin before locking herself in her car and calling the police.

According to the complaint, the alleged victim recognized the alleged assailant’s voice as that of Erik Kane Tipton, 26, of 53299 Key-Bellaire Road in Bellaire, a delivery driver who was not on duty at the time.

The employee said she started to hit Tipton to keep control of the deposit bags when he yelled, “Give it up,” before running out of the building. The deposit bags contained a total of $951.39 combined.

The alleged victim also noted the masked assailant was Tipton’s size and height, leading her to identify him. She advised police she visited a doctor and found she had sustained a spine injury in the incident.

Moundsville police worked Friday morning and afternoon on the investigation. Tipton is charged with felony attempted robbery. He is now free on $50,000 bond.

If convicted, Tipton faces up to 10 years in prison.

Thursday’s robbery was the second robbery attempt in less than a month in the city. Another robbery at knifepoint occurred at First Street Loading Zone in early January, although officials have not connected the two incidents.