Crime & Safety
Scotch Plains Exxon Station Robbed at Gunpoint
Police are canvasing the area near the Glenside jughandle on Route 22 West for a suspect who allegedly took off on foot with approximately $700.
The gas station on Route 22 in Scotch Plains was robbed at gun point at 11 p.m. on Sunday. The suspect escaped on foot with approximately $700. Scotch Plains Police, assisted by Police from Springfield and surrounding municipalities are canvasing the area with a K-9 Unit.
Gas station attendant, George Soliman, 32, described the suspect as a slender, 5’7 Hispanic male between the ages of 25 and 30. Soliman stated that the robber spoke without an accent, had minimal facial hair and was wearing a hat.
Soliman stated that he was standing near the trash bins near pumping station six when the suspect approached him on foot.
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“He came at me from behind and showed me a gun. He told me don’t make any noise, just walk to the booth. I went inside the booth and he told me to give me all the money I had, even the change.”
Soliman stated that he placed approximately $500 of the gas station’s funds into a small drawstring bag. Unsatisfied, with that amount, Soliman stated that robber demanded more money.
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“Then he told me, I know you’re lying, Give me more money. I said I have nothing. He told me that he would shoot me if I didn’t give him more money. I took out my wallet and gave him all the cash I had in my wallet. It was about $200.”
Soliman went on to state that the suspect took off on foot towards the fence on the right side of the gas station, and disappeared into the bushes on the side of the highway.
Soliman, who lives in Elizabeth, has only worked at the Scotch Plains Exxon for four months. Although this is the first robbery he has witnessed, he seemed calm and steady.
“For a second I thought about trying to get ahold of the gun, but I realized that it wasn’t worth it. I tried not to look at his eyes because I heard that once they know that you can recognize them, they will kill you.”
Scotch Plains Lieutenant Jeff Briel was one of the Officers who responded to the scene. Officer Briel declined to speak further on the investigation, but did state that Police from multiple municipalities and the County are canvasing the area. Patch will continue to report on this story and update the article as more information becomes available.
