Newark NJ police arrested a man who allegedly tried to commit an armed robbery at a local gas station.
The theft incident reportedly occurred at a gas station located in the South Ward of Newark, New Jersey. When the suspect entered the Exxon station at 1 Elizabeth Avenue in Newark, he allegedly approached a couple of store workers and demanded that they hand over cash.
At some point during the attempted robbery, the store employees grabbed the suspect and held him down until police officers could arrive at the scene.
The 38-year-old suspect was later placed under arrest by Newark police officers.
One of the gas station employees sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident. He was transported to nearby University Hospital, where doctors treated him for his injuries.
Detectives with the Newark Police Department are actively investigating the robbery. As a result, it is possible that the suspect will face additional charges for weapons offenses.
Investigators also believe that the suspect could be linked to a number of other thefts committed in Newark in recent months.
If the suspect is convicted of armed robbery, he would be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, anyone who commits a theft while using a deadly weapon such as a handgun or a knife can be charged with a first degree felony. A conviction on first degree armed robbery charges could lead to a sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The Newark Police Department has asked for the public’s help with the investigation. Anyone who has information about the robbery or the suspect should contact Newark Police’s Crime Stoppers tip line at 877-NWK-TIPS or 877-NWK-GUNS.
For additional information about this case, see the NJ.com article, “Employees Take down Armed Robber at Newark Gas Station, Police Say.”
