The target was moving something from a family member's car trunk on West 2nd Street around 4 a.m. when the bandit robber came up and threatened him while demanding the car keys.
"The victim responded by punching [him] numerous times," Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said.
The victim wasn't injured and nothing was taken, he said.
Detectives were trying to determine whether the incident was related to the overnight carjacking Thursday of a 47-year-old Edison man's 2016 BMW SUV by two robbers at 5th and Crooks avenues, Bracken said.
The victim said one of the two held a handgun to his head and demanded his keys before they took off with the vehicle, the lieutenant said.
Anyone with information that could the investigation of either or both incidents is asked to call Clifton police: (973) 470-5911 or (973) 470-5908.
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