Alleged N.J. bank robber runs out of gas

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VINELAND, N.J., June 10 (UPI) -- A New Jersey man suspected of robbing a bank was arrested while waiting for a cab after his getaway car ran out of gas, police said.

Steven Mercado, 32, was arrested Thursday and charged with armed robbery after allegedly holding up the Susquehanna Bank in Vineland with a garden hose spray nozzle, The Daily Journal, Vineland, N.J., reported.

Police said Mercado walked into the bank at 1:23 p.m. and gave a teller a note demanding money.

"Although no weapon was displayed, the note indicated that the suspect had one on him," police said in a release.

The bank teller gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash and he ran out of the bank.

After fleeing, Mercado's car, a burgundy Ford Taurus, ran out of gas, police said.

Mercado then pulled his car into the parking lot of Auto Performance Glass and hid in the car while waiting for a cab.

Ryan Hess, a customer service representative with the company, said police arrived at the store right after he did. Hess showed officers around the property as they looked for where the suspect could hide.

Hess then spotted the Ford and saw Mercado inside, lying across the front seats.

Mercado made an attempt to flee on foot, but was tackled in the parking lot, Hess said.

Mercado was charged with armed robbery with bail set at $400,000.