Crime & Safety

Arguments Over Sandwich, Vaping Turn Violent In Montclair: Police

MPD: A customer and an employee got into dispute over the price of a sandwich. A confrontation took place at a restaurant over "vaping."

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Two arguments led to police action in Montclair last week after they turned violent, authorities announced Tuesday.

The Montclair Police Department released the following details about each incident, which reportedly involved pricing on a sandwich and unwanted “vaping” inside a restaurant.

ARGUMENT OVER SANDWICH

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An employee at the Mission Mart on Mission Street reported that a man entered the business and ordered a sandwich on Aug. 6. Here’s what happened next, police said:

“A verbal dispute began between the male and the employee over the price of the sandwich. The male suspect then began placing numerous items into his pockets and attempted to leave the store without paying. The employee attempted to prevent the male from leaving, at which time he was struck by the suspect numerous times in the head with his fists and a chair. The employee was treated by Montclair EMS. The suspect fled.”

The suspect was described as a male wearing a white t-shirt and red shorts, police said.

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DISPUTE OVER VAPING

Another violent argument took place on Bloomfield Avenue on Aug. 10. Here’s what happened, police said:

“Officers responded to a report of a large physical disturbance outside of Porta. Witnesses reported that the altercation began after one group of patrons was asked to leave the restaurant after they were found to be ‘vaping’ at the table. Once outside, a verbal dispute began between the group that was asked to leave and another group of customers. The dispute eventually became physical. One subject was found to be unconscious with lacerations to his head. He was transported to Saint Joseph’s Medical Center by Montclair EMS. Another subject that was involved was later located at Hudson Regional Medical Center in Secaucus.”

That incident is currently under investigation, police said Tuesday.

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