Police: Palmyra Man Hid in Vacant Home After Attempted Robbery

Police said a Palmyra man attempted to steal a convenience store's bank deposit and then hid out in a vacant home before officers arrested him. 

The accused allegedly twisted the store clerk's wrist and ripped a $20 bill in half while trying to steal the deposit.

Around 2:37 a.m., Jan. 26, Palmyra officers were dispatched to 7-Eleven on Route 73 north for a call of a robbery. An officer driving on Market Street saw a subject who fit the description of the accused run from Broad Street onto West Sixth Street, police said.

The accused was seen running into a home on the 500 block of West Sixth Street. Palmyra officers, joined by members of the Riverton Police Department and the Burlington County Bridge Commission Police Department, surrounded the home they later found was vacant.

When no one answered, police contacted the property owner for permission to enter. 

The accused, Brian Coleman, 44, of Vine Street in Palmyra, was found in the home's basement. Police said Coleman entered through the home's back door and he resecured it so officers could not gain access.

Police said Coleman was identified by the store clerk and taken to police headquarters. In an interview with detectives, Coleman admitted to his actions and was charged with robbery, assault and theft.  

Unable to post the required $30,000 bail, Coleman was remanded to Burlington County Jail.