Alleged would-be Spider-Man robber chased off by clerk
According to Penns Grove police, 38-year-old Michael Baity, whose address is listed as homeless in Philadelphia, entered the Family Dollar store on Cumberland Avenue around 7:10 p.m. carrying a handgun.
Baity then allegedly physically assaulted a store cashier before ordering the employee to give him money from the register.
The cashier obliged, giving Baity approximately $2,000.
Authorities said a second employee called the police shortly after hearing the confrontation taking place in the store.
“Another cashier happened to be on the phone with the store manager when Baity entered the store,” said Penns Grove Police Sgt. John Stranahan “She called the police when she heard the commotion.”
It is unknown if any customers were in the store at the time of the robbery, but according the company Web site the store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Officers arrived on the scene as Baity was exiting the store.
Baity then lead police on a foot pursuit. During the chase, the assailant dropped the money he allegedly acquired in the robbery and his weapon.
He also began stripping off his clothing as he ran, said police.
Baity was captured and arrested three blocks from the scene of the alleged crime.
He was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, criminal restraint, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, resisting arrest and tampering with evidence.
The suspect was lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail.
The $2,000 in cash allegedly taken during the incident was returned to the store.
Although neither cashier was injured during the robbery, Baity received an injury to his knee which he obtained while on the run from police.
“He (Baity) received several injuries from trying to jump some small fences during the pursuit,” said Stranahan.
Baity received treatment for his injuries at The Memorial Hospital of Salem County, before being committed to the jail.
The robbery is still under investigation.
source: nj