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An investigation is underway following a robbery at Ezzie's Corner Convenience Store in Middletown, where a suspect died after being detained by the store clerk. On Wednesday night (March 4), a witness called the police, reporting that a woman was holding a man on the ground, claiming he had attempted to rob her. The suspect, a 61-year-old man, was found unresponsive by officers and later pronounced dead at Garnet Health Medical Center.
The incident began around 7:49 p.m. when the suspect allegedly entered the store on Wickham Avenue and demanded money from the 57-year-old clerk, threatening to shoot her. The clerk complied and handed over cash from the register. As the suspect attempted to flee, the clerk noticed he had no visible weapon and pursued him. She caught up with him in a nearby driveway, where they both fell to the ground.
According to the Middletown Police Department, the clerk held the man down and called for help, drawing the attention of a passerby who contacted the police. When officers arrived, they found the suspect unconscious and began life-saving measures, including CPR. Despite their efforts, the man later died at the hospital. Police believe he may have suffered a medical emergency during the altercation.
The store clerk is cooperating with the investigation, and detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses. The suspect's identity is being withheld until his next of kin is notified. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Middletown Police Department at 845-343-3151.