Driver Caught On Video Dragging Gas Station Attendant In Middletown, N.J.

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Dramatic video captured a gas station attendant being dragged by a car recently in Middletown, New Jersey.

As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, Rashpal Singh was dragged 35 feet from the gas station right to the edge of Highway 36 around 7:25 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. His life was only saved because the apron he was wearing – with cash in it – ripped.

On Thursday, Singh was back working in the same spot where the incident happened.

The attack happened when Singh had just finished pumping gas for a motorist who had asked for fuel, police said. Singh went up to the driver to get paid.

At that point, the driver was seen grabbing him by the apron, filled with $1,500 in cash, and pulled him along the pavement until the apron tore and Singh crashed to the ground.

Singh said Thursday that he was feeling "OK, thank God."

He was able to get up despite the pain, and his injuries were minor – limited to cuts and bumps on his knees and bruises on his hands.

"It is sad -- he could have been dead," said Dale Johnson. "Just for how much -- $1500?"

Singh had on a money bag on like this. He said the suspect bought $6 worth of gas, and when he reached into his pocket to give him back the change, the suspect grabbed him from the side.

"When he turned right, somebody grabbed the behind side," a friend of Singh's said.

In releasing the video, police hoped someone recognized the car so they could catch the suspect.

"We're just looking for the public's help in locating the vehicle -- it's a 2009 to 2012 Toyota Corolla LE," said Middletown police Detective Albert Scott. "It has tinted windows, no hubcaps, and no license plate visible."

As for Singh, he has been working hard ever since coming to the U.S. from India four years ago. He was back at the gas station right after being released from the hospital.

"Working today again -- next day again work," Singh said.

The car took off north on Highway 36. Anyone with information was asked to call Middletown Township Police at (732) 615-2100.