Gas station robbed; attendant assaulted

A school board member’s son allegedly was involved in the incident.

By: Scott Morgan
   EAST WINDSOR — Two township men turned themselves in to police shortly after assaulting a man at a Route 130 gas station Jan. 3, police said.
   Detective Sgt. Bill Froehlich reported Tuesday that 20-year-old Jamestown Road resident Benjamin Grunwerg, son of school board member Sheri Grunwerg, and 21-year-old Alex Patseliev, of Woodside Avenue, were charged in connection with a robbery and assault against an employee at the Texaco gas station on Route 130 South.
   The sergeant said the two men surrendered themselves at the East Windsor Police Station within a few hours of the incident, which took place around 9:45 p.m.
   According to Sgt. Froehlich, Mr. Grunwerg, the driver, pulled into the Texaco station to buy a pack of cigarettes and $10 in gas, which he attempted to pay for with a credit card. Sgt. Froehlich said the credit card was declined, which angered Mr. Patseliev, the passenger.
   Sgt. Froehlich reported that Mr. Patseliev then stepped out of the car, began to argue with the attendant and soon punched him twice in the head. The sergeant said witnesses reported the attendant was "hit so hard, the gas nozzle came out of the car."
   Sgt. Froehlich said the employee then ran to the attendant booth for safety and Mr. Patseliev followed. Then, the sergeant said, Mr. Patseliev apparently changed his mind and ran for the car, where he and Mr. Grunwerg drove off without paying.
   Sgt. Froehlich said police were given the car’s license plate number, but before they could search, the men turned themselves in.
   Mr. Grunwerg, was charged with robbery. Mr. Patseliev was charged with simple assault and theft. Both were released on $500 bail.
   Sheri Grunwerg said simply that she has retained a lawyer in the matter.