Passerby and family of the victim chased down the mugger Sunday evening at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor until police arrive, police said this morning.
Police Officers Michael Kelly and Anthony Riso responded to the parking lot of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor on the report of a robbery Sunday at approximately 7:26 p.m. According to report, victim had finished making a purchase inside the park when he was approached by a male suspect who apparently observed the victim in possession of a large amount of cash. As the victim was near the exit, the suspect approached to speak with him and at that time pushed the victim and reached into the victim’s cargo pants pocket and removed cash.
A short struggle ensued and the victim sustained a minor injury to his foot. The suspect fled the scene into the parking lot as the victim yelled for help, family members of the victim and passerby chased robber. The suspect then entered a car but the people who gave chase blocked the vehicle and kept it from leaving the scene. Officers arrived on scene and arrested the two occupants identified as James Towles Jr., 40 and Gary Troxel, 20, both of New Egypt. During the vehicle search a small amount of heroin was discovered in the vehicle. Once at police quarters robbery suspect attempted to discard two hypodermic syringes but they were located. Then while being processed to be lodged into the jail, officers conducting a search recovered in excess of $3,000.00 which Troxel had concealed on his person.
Mr. Towles, the driver of the vehicle, was charged with possession of heroin. He was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance. Mr. Troxel was charged with robbery, theft, possession of heroin and possession of hypodermic syringes. Bail was set at $35,000/full and he was later lodged in the Ocean County Jail.