Police: Jersey City Man Robbed Gas Station in Middlesex County

East Brunswick police have identified the man they say robbed a Route 18 gas station last month.

Michael Rivera of Jersey City has been charged with armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and criminal mischief.

On Feb. 21, he robbed a gas station attendant at knifepoint at the Sunoco on Route 18, near Rues Lane, police said in a news release.

Before he fled in a flatbed tow truck, he slashed the tires of gas station customers, police said at the time.

Police released a surveillance photo and asked for the public’s help identifying the man.

On March 4, an anonymous caller, who had seen the photo on NJ.com, told Detective John Breen that the suspect was believed to be Rivera.

Breen learned that Rivera worked in Jersey City and drove a tow truck, so he and Detective Sgt. Robert Zielinski went to Jersey City and identified the flatbed as the one used in the gas station robbery, police said.

On March 5, Jersey City police arrested Rivera after he robbed a gas station and carjacked a minivan in that city, police said.

Jersey City police charged him with robbery, carjacking and weapons offenses.

Breen signed complaints against him in connection with the East Brunswick case. His bail was set at $250,000.