Union Beach Police arrest a man trying rob gas station during power outage

With power out for most of Monmouth County in the hours following a monster Monday night storm, a Union Beach man was caught mid-burglary at a gas station on Route 36.

Union Beach Police were dispatched around 11:30 pm on Monday evening to the Speedway Gas Station for a reported "power loss alarm."

Officers arrived on scene and observed a bicycle in the parking lot that appeared to be out of place.

During a search of the premises, one officer saw a man quickly jump the fencing to the enclosure of Speedway and into the property.

Police gave pursuit and arrested Michael C. Smith 48, of Union Beach who has been charged with Criminal Attempt Burglary, two counts of Criminal Mischief, Defiant Trespass and Possession of Burglar's Tools.

Pursuant to New Jersey's bail reform, Smith was released pending a Monmouth County Superior Court appearance.

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