Pepper spray robbery at Sayreville gas station leads to arrest in cross town crime spree
SAYREVILLE, NJ — A late-night robbery at a Sayreville gas station where an attendant was sprayed with pepper spray and robbed of cash has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old South River man tied to a similar holdup earlier this year.
The robbery occurred at approximately 8:44 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Delta Gas Station, 350 Main Street. Authorities said two males approached the attendant, sprayed him with pepper spray and stole cash he had in his possession before fleeing on foot toward Hillside Avenue.
An investigation by the Sayreville Police Department Detective Bureau determined that a similar armed robbery had taken place in South River on Jan. 2. Through cooperation with the South River Police Department Detective Bureau, Fernando Ramos Garcia, 30, of South River, was identified as one of the suspects.
Garcia was arrested Feb. 5 at his residence in South River.
He has been charged with robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Garcia is currently lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending further court proceedings.
Detectives continue efforts to identify and apprehend the second suspect involved. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Sayreville Police Department Detective George Lestuck at 732-525-5400 ext. 5405.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Key Points
- A gas station attendant was sprayed with pepper spray and robbed Jan. 16 in Sayreville
- Fernando Ramos Garcia, 30, was arrested in connection with the robbery
- Police believe the case is linked to a similar South River incident
