Man accused of robbing NJ store three times found a surprise waiting on his fourth try

A 34-year-old man accused of robbing the same New Jersey market three times in six days got a surprise on his fourth attempt, police told news sources.

An off-duty Jersey City officer who had stopped to check in on Augie’s Deli Grocery jumped out of the back of the store Friday, Jan. 21, NJ.com reported.

The startled would-be robber dashed from the market — straight into the arms of the owner’s son, also a police officer, News 12 The Bronx reported.

“This time, he jumped over the counter, but this time he got a surprise,” said owner Augie Lopez, 77, according to the publication.

The series of robberies, which began Jan. 10, has been traumatic, Lopez told NJ.com.

“I feel much, much safer now,” he told the publication.

In the first robbery Jan. 10, the man shoved Lopez to the ground and took $10 worth of cigars, New Jersey 101.5 reported. On Jan. 15, he returned, again shoved Lopez down and took $20.

On Jan. 16, he robbed the store of $180 while a 62-year-old woman was working the register, the station reported.

Lopez told News 12 that he didn’t recognize the man or know why his business became a target.

This story was originally published January 26, 2022 at 2:31 PM with the headline "Man accused of robbing NJ store three times found a surprise waiting on his fourth try."