Walmart Shoplifters Flee Store, Later Arrested On Drug Charges

Stafford police recently charged two Manahawkin men with shoplifting items from Walmart and on several drug charges, according to the police report.

Officers responded to Walmart at 12:16 on Oct. 10 on a report of two male shoplifters who fled the store. Further investigation at the scene revealed that Todd C. Bozarth Jr, 20, Pulley Avenue, was one of the men.

Police observed a vehicle matching the description provided traveling near 1200 Route 72. Patrolman DeMarco conducted a traffic stop and Bozarth was arrested. The passenger, Michael N. Pillarella, 21 Atlantis Avenue, was identified as the other man from the shoplifting incident and was also arrested.

Stolen items were located in the vehicle, along with controlled dangerous substances.

Both men were transported to police headquarters. Bozarth was charged with possession of a hypodermic syringe, theft by deception and receiving stolen property. Pillarella was charged with two counts of shoplifting, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a hypodermic syringe. All of the stolen items recovered were retrieved and returned to the store. Patrolman DeMarco was the arresting officer with assistance from Patrolman Dunfe, according to the police report.