MIDDLETOWN, NY — A robbery suspect died after suffering a medical emergency while being detained by a store clerk following an alleged armed robbery at a convenience store.
Police were called to the area of 40 Grove Street at approximately 7:49 p.m. on March 5, 2026, after a witness reported a woman sitting on top of a man and yelling for help.
The woman, a 57-year-old store clerk from Ezzie’s Corner Convenience Store at 130 Wickham Avenue, told officers she was detaining the man after he allegedly robbed her business while threatening to use a firearm.
When officers separated the two people in the driveway of 117 Wickham Avenue, they found the male suspect, 61, of Middletown, unconscious and non-responsive.
Officers immediately began CPR and other life-saving measures.
Empress EMS transported the man to Garnet Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The store clerk remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Police said preliminary information indicates the suspect entered the convenience store and demanded money from the clerk, threatening to shoot her if she did not comply.
The clerk gave the suspect cash from the register, and he began to leave the store on foot.
The clerk noticed no visible weapon on the suspect and began chasing him in an attempt to stop him.
She caught up to the man and grabbed him, causing both to fall to the ground in the driveway of 117 Wickham Avenue.
The clerk held the suspect on the ground and yelled for help, attracting the attention of a witness who called 911.
The suspect fell unconscious for unknown reasons while being detained, potentially due to a medical emergency, police said.
The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Middletown Police detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Middletown Police Department at 845-343-3151.
