A man who police said ran over a gas station store manager during an attempted robbery was held for trial today after a hearing in Municipal Court.

Frank Pekular, 49, of Aliquippa, is charged with aggravated assault and robbery, among other charges.

According to a criminal complaint, Mr. Pekular went to a BP gas station in Duquesne Heights on Nov. 28 and purchased a pack of crackers for 55 cents. He left but then returned to buy another pack of crackers.

As the clerk, Lucinda Wetzel, opened the drawer of the cash register, "Pekular lunged over the counter and grabbed at the money," the complaint said.

Ms. Wetzel slammed the drawer shut before the suspect could get any money, and shouted, "He tried to rob me."

Walter Wetzel, the night manager, and another employee ran out after Mr. Pekular, police said. According to a witness, Mr. Pekular rolled up his window as Mr. Wetzel, who was armed, approached. The witness also saw Mr. Wetzel raise his gun up to the man's window.

But Mr. Pekular then drove his vehicle into Mr. Wetzel, who fell onto the car's hood and then rolled to the ground, police said. Mr. Wetzel got caught underneath the car and was dragged for an undetermined distance before the car's tire ran over him, according to the complaint.

Mr. Wetzel was hospitalized after the incident.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.