Updated 15 April with a sketch from the NJ State Police.
Nutley PD is searching for a man who pulled an armed robbery of a local service station last week. Police said they were called to the US Gas station at Kingsland and Passaic Aves., at about 10:26 p.m., Thursday, April 9, on a report of a stickup.
A station attendant told officers that a light-skinned black male of thin build, wearing a white hat and dark clothing, forced him into an office and struck him in the side.
Police said the suspect displayed a handgun and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
As of last week, detectives were reviewing surveillance tape from the area around the station and seeking possible witnesses to interview. Police believe the suspect lingered in the area for several minutes before committing the robbery.
Police Chief Tom Strumolo said that officers responded within seconds of receiving the call from the station and that dash cameras and automated license plate recognition systems with which some patrol cars are equipped, are being checked for possible leads.
Mayor/Police Director Alphonse Petracco noted this marks the second time this station has been robbed since 2011 when the suspects used a stolen car and brandished a handgun. He said that the station’s proximity to major highways makes it a vulnerable target.
Police are urging anyone with information on the latest incident to contact Nutley PD by calling 973-284-4940 or by using the new anonymous Tip Hot Line by texting information to “CRIMES” (274637) using keyword “NPDTIPS” or by logging into Tipsoft.com.
– Ron Leir
