Citizen prevents Trenton robbery, investigation leads to charges in gas station heist

TRENTON >> Officials say an observant citizen helped cops prevent a robbery Monday evening, and during the investigation, police developedenough evidence to charge the suspect in connection with a gas station heist.

Christopher McRoy, 29, was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday after a citizen reported am an was pacing outside of a store, occasionally peering through the window.

Detectives from the Street Crimes Unit found McRoy on Spring Street wearing a hooded sweatshirt that was pulled over his head and face. Police say he was wearing a Halloween-type mask on the back of his head.

Further investigation found that McRoy possessed pepper spray and a pair of gloves. Officials say the investigation also revealed McRoy had ordered food from the store, but then told employees he didn’t have money to pay for it.

Based on the totality of the circumstances, police believe McRoy was about to commit a robbery, so they arrested him.

Police also believe McRoy is responsible for a gas station robbery that happened Sunday evening. Officials say a suspect walked into a gas station located in the 700 block of Lalor Street and asked an employee for a cigar.

The suspect then pulled out a gun, pointed it at the employee and demanded money and personal property. He then fled the store and robbed the gas attendant who was outside at the pumps.

McRoy is charged with multiple counts of robbery, several weapons offenses, obstructing the administration of law and resisting arrest, for allegedly struggling with police when they apprehended him Monday.