Shirt ripped off back of attempted robber

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A would-be robber who had the shirt ripped off his back after trying to rip off a New Haven gas station is suspected in two other robberies.

Police arrested David Nielsen of Meriden for the attempted robbery at Katz's Shell station on Willow Street.

According to police, a man walked into the store, got a soda and asked for cigarettes. When the clerk turned to get the cigarettes the man put a knife to the clerk's throat and demanded money. When store owner Gerald Katz came out of the office the man took off, and Katz chased after him.

They struggled outside by the gas pumps, and that's when Katz managed to tear off the man's shirt. He was still holding it when police arrived.

Nielsen was found by other officers walking shirtless on Nash Street. He was identified as the would-be robber by Katz, the clerk and a customer, police said.

Police spokesman Officer David Hartman said in a statement Nielsen "had earlier robbed Jay-Nez Groceries, 227 Ferry Street, and is suspected of committing two similar robberies in Milford."

Nielsen faces robbery, larceny and assault charges for the incident at Katz's.

Katz's store has been the victim of numerous robberies and attempted robberies.