A 35-year-old man was arrested after he robbed a borough pharmacist at knife-point, stole her car and led police on a pursuit through Paterson, authorities said Wednesday.
Elmwood Park police said they charged a 35-year-old Paterson with armed robbery after a chase Jan. 18, 2016 (File photo)
Sean Janas, of Paterson, faces charges of armed robbery, various weapons offenses and vehicle theft in connection with the Monday afternoon holdup at Oriental Food Mart Best Health Pharmacy, according to Chief Michael Foligno of the Elmwood Park police.
Janas initially left the store as the lone employee, a 61-year-old woman, was helping a customer, the chief said. He returned and started talking with the pharmacist about over the counter medications before he pulled a folding knife.
"Give me the cash. I don't want to hurt you," Janas allegedly told the woman.
Foligno said Janas told the pharmacist he has a "drug problem."
The robber stole about $130, demanded the worker's car keys and escaped in her vehicle, according to Foligno. Fair Lawn police helped identify Janas after authorities distributed photos of the suspect, the chief added.
Authorities said Paterson police spotted Janas driving the store employee's stolen car and tried to pull him over around 11 p.m. The car hit parked vehicles, lost control and crashed near Market and East 38 Streets in the city, according to police.
Officers arrested Janas after a brief foot chase, a police statement said. He was taken to the Passaic County Jail and ordered held in lieu of $100,000 full bail.
Police said there were no injuries in the robbery.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
