Man Sought In Toms River Gas Station Robbery Attempt

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River police are seeking the public's help in identifying a man in connection with an attempted robbery at a Route 37 gas station.

The man was wearing a facemask when he walked into the Speedway gas station at 58 Route 37 East shortly before 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, police said.

He walked behind the counter and tried to get into the safe, and challenged the employee, while grasping his waistline as if he had a weapon, police said.

The employee tried to call 911 but was assaulted by the suspect, police said. During the assault, the employee was able to grab the man's facemask and pull it down partially, exposing the man's face so it was captured on surveillance cameras, police said.

The man ran away before police arrived.

Anyone with information pertaining to the robbery investigation is asked to contact Detective Grob at 732-349-0150, ext. 1319.