Suspect caught hiding under a pine tree in Camillus
Daniel J. Boyden, 24, is charged with robbery and assault after leading police on a high-speed chase.
 / photo: APD
AUBURN -- A Mattydale man is facing several charges after robbing a gas station before leading police on a high-speed chase, according to investigators.
Auburn Police say Daniel John Boyden, 24, of West Molloy Road, entered the Fine Food & Gas store on Owasco Street in Auburn around 7:15 Tuesday night. Police say he tried to purchase lottery tickets, but told the clerk he didn't have enough money and had to go to his car.
A short time later Boyden allegedly re-entered the store and struck the clerk over the head with a 40 ounce beer bottle before leaving with the entire cash register.
While fleeing the scene eastbound on Grant Avenue, Boyden ignored orders from an officer to pull over, and that's when the pursuit began, according to police.
The chase continued into Onondaga County on Route 5, with Onondaga County Air-1, Auburn Police, Camillus Police, Jordan Police, New York State Police, the Cayuga County Sheriff's Department, and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department all in pursuit.
Boyden crashed the yellow Dodge Neon into a curb near Route 695 and then fled on foot, according to Auburn Police. He was caught hiding under a pine tree on Joel Drive in Camillus shortly after 8:00 p.m.
Boyden is charged with first-degree robbery and assault. Police say additional charges, including numerous traffic infractions, are pending.
The store clerk was taken to Auburn Memorial Hospital for treatment of numerous facial fractures.