Store Owner Hits Would-Be Robber With His Car

According to reports from the Norristown Police Department, a local store owner managed to foil a robbery attempt after chasing down the alleged perpetrator and hitting him with his car.

Norristown Police responded to the area of Penn and Cherry streets at approximately 6:21 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, for a report of a disturbance. On the scene, officers encountered witnesses who reportedly stated that they heard someone calling for help and observed a silver SUV apparently chasing a man running eastbound on Penn Street.

Officers searched the area and were flagged down by the owner of the Fern Rock Market Deli, who was the driver of the silver SUV. The owner reportedly told police that after closing his store for the evening, he was sitting his car with a bag containing several days proceeds from the business when he was accosted by a light-skinned black male, later identified as 28-year-old Terrell Coley, of the 1300 block of West Main Street. Coley allegedly opened the door to the car and yelled "Give me the money!" as he pulled the 47-year-old man out of the car and repeatedly punched him in the face.

The victim told police that he attempted to fight off his attacker by punching and biting him, but Coley allegedly threw him to the ground and ran off eastbound on Penn Street with the bag containing cash, checks and a credit card.

The victim told police he got back in his car and followed Coley to Swede Street where he turned south. The victim reported seeing Coley fall in the area where the sidewalk was under construction, get back up and run across Main Street, no longer in possession of the bag.

As Coley crossed Main Street, the victim stated that he ran in front of the victim's car and was hit by the SUV, throwing him to the ground. Coley reportedly got up and continued on his way, entering the Black Fan Apartments at 28 West Main Street.

The victim told police he retraced Coley's path and was able to recover the bag, its contents still intact.

Police reportedly investigated the scene and were able to follow a trail of blood leading to an apartment in the Black Fan Apartments where they found Coley. Coley was detained and brought to the victim, who positively identified him as the man who assaulted and robbed him according to police reports.

Coley was transported to the station for processing and arraignment. He is being charged with robbery, robbery by force, receiving stolen property, two counts of simple assault and theft by unlawful taking. Police also discovered an outstanding bench warrant for Coley.