VINELAND, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say a southern New Jersey 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 indicated 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.

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