A man who tried to rob a convenience store in Orange County has died after suffering a medical emergency while being held by the store clerk he is accused of robbing, police said.
The incident happened just before 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at Ezzie’s Corner Convenience Store, located at 130 Wickham Ave. in Middletown, the City of Middletown Police Department said in an update on Thursday, March 5.
Police said a witness called 911 after spotting a woman sitting on top of a man near 40 Grove St., yelling for help and saying the man had just tried to rob her.
Officers arrived and found the woman, identified as a 57-year-old store clerk, holding the man on the ground in the driveway of 117 Wickham Ave. The clerk told police the man had just robbed the store and threatened to shoot her if she did not hand over money
Investigators said the clerk gave the suspect cash from the register, and he fled the store on foot. When the clerk realized she did not see a weapon, she chased after him in an attempt to stop him.
The clerk caught up with the suspect and grabbed him, causing both of them to fall to the ground. She then held the man there while shouting for help until police arrived.
When officers separated the two, they found the suspect unconscious and unresponsive. Police immediately began CPR, and Empress EMS transported him to Garnet Health Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said the man may have suffered a medical emergency while being detained, though the exact cause has not yet been determined.
Police have not released the suspect’s identity, pending notification of their family.
The clerk remained at the scene and has been cooperating with investigators, the department said.
Police blocked off Wickham Avenue between Low Avenue and Grove Street with crime scene tape for several hours while detectives processed the area.
Middletown detectives are now reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Middletown Police Department at 845-343-3151.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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