DARKWATER — State police have released security camera images of a man they said tried to rob a New Castle Township business Saturday night.
Trooper Michael Marinchak of the Frackville station said the attempted robbery occurred about 6:55 p.m. at the Gas Way gas station, 1471 State Route 61.
Marinchak said the man is described as being white with a thin build, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and in his late teens or early 20s.
At the time of the crime, the man was wearing tan or khaki pants, sneakers, sunglasses and a black cap with a flat brim.
Marinchak said the man entered the business, approached a 43-year-old attendant and told him that he needed to clean the rest room.
As the attendant approached the rest room, the man struck the victim in the arms and hands with a pellet gun, Marinchak said.
The attendant fought back and ran into the store to get away from the robber, but the suspect followed him.
Marinchak said the attendant grabbed a bat and chased the suspect, who threw a knife at him before fleeing the business without any cash or items into a wooded area behind the gas station and then south toward Saint Clair.
State police, with the assistance of area municipal officers, searched the area but were unable to locate the man, who may have been accompanied by a woman at the time, Marinchak said.
Anyone recognizing the robbery suspect is asked to call state police at Frackville at 570-874-5300. All information will remain confidential.