PENNS GROVE — An observant gas station attendant may have helped to thwart an armed robbery in the borough, police say.
The result was the arrest of two people and the recovery of a handgun and what’s described as a “military ballistic vest” one of the suspects was wearing, according to Penns Grove Chief of Police John T. Stranahan Sr.
In custody are Aaron R. Garlic, 23, of Woodstown and a 17-year-old juvenile from Salem, Stranahan said Tuesday. Still being sought is Yusef Rivera, 21, of Salem.
The incident unfolded Sunday night. Around 9 p.m. an attendant at the Shell gas station at the corner of East Main Street and North Virginia Avenue called police to say he had seen a suspicious vehicle with three males inside in the area.
“It’s our belief that they were casing the gas station (to rob it),” Stranahan said.
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Patrol officers pulled over a 2008 Chevrolet Impala that matched the description given to them by the attendant on a street near the gas station.
As officers approached the vehicle, they reported they smelled burning marijuana and asked the three males inside to get out, according to the chief.
Stranahan said as Rivera exited the passenger side of the car, officers spotted a handgun in the vehicle. As they attempted to arrest Rivera, Stranahan said, he allegedly struggled with officers and broke free.
During that struggle, and as he fled on foot, Rivera shed his jacket and the military vest he had on, the chief said.
Rivera remained on the run late Tuesday. Taken into custody were Garlic and the juvenile.
According to Stranahan, along with the handgun, officers found a ski mask and pre-packaged marijuana in the car.
Garlic was charged with weapons and drug offenses and taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility, Mannington Township, where he remained without bail Tuesday.
The juvenile was charged with weapons and drug offenses and taken to a juvenile detention facility.
A warrant was issued for Rivera on weapons and drug charges as well as resisting arrest, Stranahan said.
Anyone with information on Garlic’s whereabouts should call their local police department.
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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