By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — A 50-year-old Taylor man suspected of fleeing a robbery died when he crashed into a Fort Street building Wednesday.
Trenton Police Chief James Nardone said the suspect may have been in a panic after being spotted by police, and possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“He may have been impaired at some level,” Nardone said. The man’s name was withheld Friday pending further investigation and notification of next of kin.
Trenton Police were notified at about 1 a.m. that a gas station in Gibraltar was recently victimized by a robbery during which the suspect used or showed a knife. Shortly thereafter a caller advised that the suspect was seen driving a 2000 Ford Escort at Future Fuels, 4107 Van Horn near Fort Street.
“Our officers responded and identified the suspect vehicle,” Nardone said. “The car immediately fled north bound on Fort at a high rate of speed.”
The officer in pursuit followed, and quickly came upon a crash scene at DeBacker’s Lawn Care, 2501 Fort St. just north of West Road. The suspect had driven through the unoccupied building, and was reported dead at the scene.
Nardone said investigation of alleged robberies and the crash scene are ongoing.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])