Point Pleasant Detective Charged With Shoplifting In Brick

BRICK, NJ — The commander of the Point Pleasant Police Department's detective bureau has been charged with shoplifting in Brick Township, according to court records.

Detective Sgt. Joshua H. Gunnell was arrested June 25 on the charge, accused of taking items worth between $200 and $499, and is due for court hearing Wednesday in Brick Township municipal court, according to the records.

The incident happened at Walmart on Route 88, the Asbury Park Press reported. Gunnell, 41, is accused of scanning only one item in his cart at the self checkout, and hiding others under recyclable shopping bags, the report said.

Gunnell is suspended with pay pending the outcome of the case, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said. His salary was $141,840 as of Dec. 31, 2021, according to the DataUniverse database of New Jersey public salaries and pensions, and he has worked for the Point Pleasant Police Department since 2008.

"The Point Pleasant Police Department was made aware of the arrest of Sgt. Josh Gunnell for a shoplifting incident that occurred in Brick Township on June 25th, 2023 while he was off-duty," Point Pleasant Police Chief Adam Picca said.

"Sgt. Gunnell has been with the Point Pleasant Police Department for 15 years. This allegation is very serious and is being handled consistent with established directives, policies and procedures, however, as this is an active case pending court, I am unable to provide additional information at this time," Picca said.