George Marcelino-Perez, 24, of Passaic was the bandit caught on surveillance video dressed all in black “like a ninja” and pacing up and down Main Avenue with a mask Tuesday morning before attacking the attendant in the Citgo station office, Chief Carmello Imbruglia said.
Marcelino-Perez yanked the attendant from his chair and hit him several times with the hammer, demanding money, authorities said at the time.
After unsuccessfully attempting to smash his way into a back office, the robber fled with the cash, the chief said.
Detectives identified Marcelino-Perez, then stopped his car on Wednesday, Imbruglia said.
After searching his home and vehicle, they charged him with robbery, aggravated assault and theft, the chief said.
Marcelino-Perez remained held Saturday in the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing this coming Tuesday in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
The attendant was treated for cuts and other injuries at Hackensack University Medical Center.
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