The victim fled his store and locked the robber inside. When the robber broke a window to get out, the store owner went on the offensive.
WOODLYNNE -- A 22-year-old borough man is facing robbery and weapons charges after police said his attempt to rob a corner grocery store Tuesday was thwarted by a shop owner and his rubber mallet.
The Camden County Prosecutor's Office said Joseph Delozier brandished a meat cleaver as he entered the D&D Market on Woodlynne Avenue at about 9 a.m. and held the blade to the store owner's neck as Delozier took his cell phone.
The owner sustained minor cuts to his hands as he tried to shield himself from the knife, but was able to escape the store without any other injuries.
Police said Delozier initially followed after the victim, but turned around to grab cash from the register. While Delozier was distracted, the owner was able to lock him in the store and flag down someone passing by who could call police.
Trapped in the store, Delozier then broke a window to try and escape. As soon as he put his head through the broken window, however, the store owner hit Delozier in the head with a rubber mallet, causing Delozier to fall on the ground.
Delozier soon got up and tried to flee the scene, but the shop owner gave chase.
He didn't catch Delozier, but Police who responded to the scene were soon able to apprehend Delozier in a cemetery nearby and take him into custody.
Delozier faces charges of armed robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons not to have weapons and criminal mischief. He remains in Camden County Jail in lieu of $125,000 bail.
Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.