Wayne Man Accused of Knifepoint Robbery

A Wayne man has been arrested for allegedly robbing an Exxon gas station attendant at knifepoint Sunday night.

Thomas Venezia, 26, was charged with first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, and using an unlawful weapon against another person, a warrant filed by Wayne Police states.

Police reported that Venezia an attendant at the Exxon gas station at 540 Valley Road at knifepoint.

Police reported that Venezia paced in front of the convenience store at the station and then tried to open the bathroom door. When Ogreten attempted to help Venezia open the door, Venezia put a knife to his throat and pushed him against the building, repeatedly saying: “Give me your money or I’ll kill you,” a police report states.

Ogreten gave Venezia $35, police said. Venezia then fled the scene, police said.

Police recovered video surveillance footage of Venezia leaving the gas station, police said.

Det./Capt. James Clarke said police identified Venezia through some “investigative work” by matching his photograph up to the surveillance footage.

Clarke said Venezia was scheduled to be arraigned in municipal court Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Municipal court Judge Peter Weiss set bail at $100,000. Venezia will be transported to Passaic County Jail if he is unable to post bail.

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