Officers were called to the Speedway gas station on Route 37 East at around 3:28 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, the Toms River Police Department said in a news release. The suspect wearing a ski mask went into the store, walked behind the counter, and tried to open a safe.
The man then fought with the employee and grabbed at his waist "as if he had a weapon." The employee tried to call 911 but was assaulted by the suspect.
During the fight, the employee partially removed the suspect's ski mask. Surveillance cameras captured part of his face and police released photos of him.
Anyone with information about the attempted robbery should call Toms River police at 732-349-0150, ext. 1319.
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