Vineland Bank Robber’s Getaway Car Runs Out Of Gas

Authorities say a Vineland bank robbery was foiled when the suspect's car ran out of gas as he tried to flee.

Vineland police say 32-year-old Steven Mercado entered a city bank Thursday afternoon and handed a teller a note demanding money. The Vineland man, who indicted he had a weapon, then fled to his car with an undisclosed amount of cash as bank employees contacted authorities.

Mercado, who had parked at a nearby business, tried to drive away but didn't get far before running out gas He then called a cab company for a ride, but was captured by police just moments after he got out of his vehicle.

Mercado was jailed on $400,000 cash bail. Police say the "weapon" he had was a garden hose spray nozzle.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)