VIDEO: Bystander tackles robber during New Jersey Wawa holdup

SICKLERVILLE, New Jersey -- An armed robber was tackled by a bystander during the holdup of a Wawa store in Sicklerville, New Jersey.

It happened around 2 a.m. Wednesday at the store along Cross Keys Road.

A suspect with a gun and a mask stormed inside and ordered all employees to the ground, but before he could reach the register, police say a good Samaritan jumped into action.

"The guy is a true hero in my eyes," police Chief George Smith said. "We have young ladies at the Wawa working an overnight shift, and I'm sure they were scared to death."

Authorities said the fight spilled out of the store into the parking lot, and the would-be robber pistol whipped the victim in an unsuccessful attempt to escape.

Daryl, the good Samaritan - who didn't want to release his last name - described some of the frightening moments.

"He focused on her, put the gun to the back of her head, told her to 'get up, open the register, open the register now," he said. "I don't advise anyone to do what I did, but by the same token, you have to look out for your community."

Daryl said he never thought about his safety, but instead thought about the employees and the fear in their eyes. He knew he had to act.

"The Lord put me in that store for a reason at that time, and it just so happened it was for that purpose," he said. "To break up this robbery and save somebody if possible."

Daryl and the suspect, identified as Alexander Ray, fought until police arrived. Officers responded within minutes and arrested the suspect.

"He hit me a couple of times with the pistol, but again, I will take the bumps and bruises if it means I was able to save somebody's life, or what whatever the case may be," Daryl said. "I will take a few little lumps and bumps."

Police recovered the handgun and discovered it was not loaded.

Meanwhile, the suspect is in the hospital recovering from his injuries. When he's released, he will face a long list of charges.