Man Stole $87 of Liquor From Store, Cops Say

An Independence Township man was charged with shoplifting alcohol in Hackettstown more than two weeks after the alleged incident occurred, Sgt. Darren Tynan said. 

Just after 4 p.m. on Nov. 16, Hackettstown Police responded to ShopRite Wine & Liquors on Main Street to a report of shoplifting, Tynan said. When officers arrived, the alleged shoplifter was already gone from the area, Tynan said.

After an investigation, Dirk Cuesta, 43, was arrested at his residence Tuesday and charged with shoplifting a bottle of Chambord, valued at $34.23, and a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka, valued at $53.49, Tynan said.

Cuesta allegedly put the items in his jacket and then left the store, Tynan said. 

For questions about this post, email jason.koestenblatt@patch.com.