Hyde Park Man Charged in Gas Station Armed Robbery

An armed Hyde Park man who was no match for a convenience store clerk and his shoe has state law enforcement to contend with now, New York State Police said Saturday.

Christopher Dam, 26, allegedly entered the Citgo Station in Staatsburg Tuesday armed with a shotgun and demanded money from Amrik Singh, the station's owner. Singh told Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley he tried to give the would-be robber money, but the masked man demanded more, insisting there was a hidden $100 bill in the register.

Singh fought back, grabbing the man's arm and throwing his shoe at him before chasing him out of the store.

Dam was arrested Friday by New York State Police from the Rhinebeck barracks. Dam was charged with attempted robbery and criminal use of a firearm.

Police said they were tipped off to Dam's involvement after social media posting of the surveillance video led to information from the public.

Dam was arraigned in the Town of Hyde Park Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail. He is due back in court on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

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