Attendant, Bystanders Stop Mop-Wielding Robber In North Jersey: Police

LITTLE FERRY, NJ — A gas station attendant and two bystanders held down a would-be robber, who was armed with a sharp mop, Sunday night until Little Ferry police arrived.

The suspect told police he was under the influence of crack cocaine, police said.

According to police, a woman called 911 around 10:12 p.m. Sunday and said there was a physical dispute at the Fuel 4 Gas Station on Route 46 East.

Little Ferry Police officers arrived and saw the employee holding a suspect to the ground, with the help of two other men.

The attendant said the suspect came into his office and demanded money from the safe "while holding a mop with a sharp edge," according to a news release provided by Chief James Walters.

They began struggling, and the attendant was able to pin the other man down. Two bystanders came over to help him.

"The caller who witnessed the robbery was across the street when her brother and boyfriend jumped out of the car to assist in holding the suspect down until we arrived," Walters said.

The suspect, identified as Dwayne Fain, told police he was under the influence of crack cocaine. Fain told police he hit his head during the altercation with the attendant and had slurred speech.

He was taken to the hospital and then booked at police headquarters on a robbery charge.

Walters said the attendant was not injured, and added he did "an outstanding job."