A man accused of robbing a New Kensington gas station early Wednesday was quickly identified and arrested thanks to an anonymous tip.

Police had sought the public’s help in identifying a man who, armed with a knife, robbed the Sunoco station on Tarentum Bridge Road at Caldwell Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Later that day, New Kensington police Detective Sgt. Samuel Long said he received a phone tip after releasing a photo of the suspect to the media.

The suspect was identified as Chad Fitzgerald, 35, who is homeless but from the area. Fitzgerald faces one count of robbery and is being held in Westmoreland County jail on $50,000 bail.

Police said no one was hurt in the incident. They allege that Fitzgerald demanded money from the cash register and fled on foot toward Freeport Road with $37 in cash and two packs of Camel Crush cigarettes.

New Kensington police Detective Phil Huth spotted Fitzgerald around 2 p.m. Wednesday near Leechburg Road and took him into custody for multiple outstanding warrants in Westmoreland County, according to a criminal complaint.

Police said Fitzgerald later confessed to his involvement in the robbery. His preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 22.

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