Paramus Police Help Take Serial Shoplifter Into Custody: Cops

PARAMUS, NJ — Police helped take a serial shoplifter into custody Sunday after pursing him on Route 17 and on foot, authorities said.

Authorities received a 911 call at 1:11 p.m. Sunday about a shoplifting that just occurred there and the suspect fled in a U-Haul truck, said Allendale Police Chief George Scherb.

Allendale Police Officer Vic Bartoloma tried stopping the U-Haul on Route 17 South in Ramsey, but driver Kevin Hess refused to stop, Scherb said.

Hess made a U-turn onto Route 17 North in Paramus and then onto side streets, Scherb said. Hess then left the vehicle and fled on foot, he said.

Allendale and Paramus Police officers caught up with Hess and took him into custody. In the truck's cab, police found nine four-packs of Red Bull stolen from the Allendale Rite-Aid and another 16 four-packs believed to have been stolen from other stores, Scherb said. Police were trying to identify where the other 16 four-packs were stolen from.

Allendale Police charged Hess with shoplifting, eluding, resisting arrest, and several motor vehicle offenses. Hess was lodged in the Bergen County Jail, the chief said.

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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