Dramatic Robbery Attempt at West Milford Exxon Foiled by Quick-Thinking Employees!
A robbery attempt at an Exxon Gas Station on Route 23 South in West Milford was thwarted early on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, thanks to the quick actions of the station’s workers. According to West Milford police, the suspect, identified as Cole Labita from Oak Ridge in Jefferson Township, entered the gas station armed with a firearm and demanded money from the register.
During the attempted robbery, a physical struggle broke out between Labita and the employees. The altercation moved outside into the parking lot, where the workers were able to disarm the suspect successfully. Labita, realizing he was unsuccessful, fled the scene on foot.
The West Milford Detective Bureau quickly launched an investigation with help from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and the Jefferson Township Police Department. Through their efforts, they identified Labita as the suspect.
Labita was arrested and taken to the Bergen County Jail. He faces a variety of charges, including first-degree armed robbery, third-degree aggravated assault, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, among others.
Following the arrest, Labita was processed under New Jersey’s bail reform laws and is currently awaiting his court appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court.
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