Suspect Nabbed in Robbery Attempt by Gorilla-Masked Gunman: Police

State police have arrested a suspect believed to be a shotgun-wielding man who was caught on camera trying to rob an upstate New York gas station while wearing a gorilla mask.

The robbery attempt was foiled by a clerk who fought back.

Investigators said Saturday that tips from the public led to the arrest of 26-year-old Christopher Dam of Hyde Park.

Dam was charged with first-degree attempted robbery, and second-degree criminal use of a firearm, police said. He is being held without bail pending a Dec. 23 court hearing.

There was no indication that Dam had obtained a lawyer who could comment on the charges.

Surveillance video of the robbery attempt at a gas station in the Dutchess County hamlet of Staatsburg shows the would-be robber bursting into the station at about 8 p.m. Monday.

The masked man can be seen pointing the gun at the clerk and tossing a plastic bag onto the counter. The clerk begins unloading the register into the bag, but goes after the suspect when he tries to reach into the register himself.

The clerk can be seen rushing around the register and briefly grabbing hold of the robber, who tosses the shotgun up as though it were a shield. The suspect then runs out of the business and is briefly chased by the clerk.
 

Contact Us