Clifton New Jersey police arrested a man who allegedly tried to commit a robbery on a city street. Police apprehended the suspect after his alleged victim fought back and disarmed him.

The scary situation unfolded around 10:15 p.m. in a parking lot located around Harrison Place and Ackerman Avenue in Clifton, NJ. The victim, a 40-year-old Bronx NY man, went to the area to purchase a computer from the suspect. The sale was arranged through Craigslist, with the suspect reportedly agreeing to sell a computer to the victim.

When the victim got to the meeting location, the suspect allegedly walked up to him and aimed a handgun directly at his head. The suspect reportedly covered his face with a mask.

The suspect allegedly ordered the victim to give up his wallet and money, but the victim responded by disarmed the suspect during a struggle. The suspect was reportedly seen running away and fleeing the scene on foot.

Clifton NJ police officers later located and captured the suspect. He has been charged with numerous crimes, including armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

If the suspect is convicted of armed robbery, he would be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, a person who commits a theft while using a deadly weapon like a handgun or a knife can be charged with a first degree crime. A conviction on first degree armed robbery charges could lead to a sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison.

To learn more about this case, check out the NJ.com article, “Man Disarms Would-Be Craigslist Robber.”