$300 Japanese Maple Tree Shoplifted From Watchung Store

WATCHUNG, NJ — A $300 Japanese Maple tree was shoplifted from the Pier 1 Imports on Route 22 West in Watchung on May 18.

The suspect was described as a black female wearing a light blue shirt. The suspect entered the store, staged a Japanese Maple Tree near the exit, looked around to see where the store's employees were and exited the store, Watchung Police reported.

The suspect loaded the tree into an older model Buick, Lexus or Infiniti driven by a white female who fled from the area, police said.

The tree is valued at $300 and police are investigating.

Other Watchung Police Blotter items:

On May 18 at 7:39 p.m.: DSW Shoes on Route 22 West reported a shoplifter who fled from the store with merchandise. The suspect was described as 5-foot, 8-inch tall black female with very short hair wearing a white dress with horizontal black stripes. The suspect removed shoes valued at $115 and fled from the area. Police are investigating.

On May 20 at 7:05 p.m.: Valeria Rojas, 24, of Plainfield was arrested for shoplifting children's clothing, a children's toy and perfume valued at $200.87 from TJ Maxx on Route 22 West. She was transported to Watchung Police Department headquarters, processed and released on summonses.

On May 19 at 9:13 p.m.: Shauneice Ross, 30, of Newark was arrested at Roselle Park Police Department under a warrant out of Watchung for $500. She was transported to Somerset County Jail.

On May 20 at 12:29 a.m.: Isaiah Hayes, 22, of Irvington was arrested for having an outstanding warrant out of Irvington for $350 following a traffic stop on Somersert Street. He was transported to Watchung Police Department headquarters, processed and released.

On May 16 at 3:51 p.m.: Michelle Allen, 39, of New York, New York and Jasmyne Cromer, 20, of New York, New York were observed in the Kohl's women aisle placing large amounts of female clothing into a shopping cart. Allen and Cromer were seen enter the fitting room with the full cart and then exit with an empty cart and a large green purse with merchandise. Allen and Cromer tried to walk out of the store without paying for the $587 worth of merchandise and were stopped by loss prevention. Allen and Cromer were arrested for shoplifting, transported to Watchung Police Department headquarters, processed and released with a court date.

On May 12 at 4:36 p.m.: John Mcloughlin, 65, of Plainfield was arrested on a warrant out of Teaneck for $109 following a suspicious male investigation. Wal-Mart employees reported Mcloughlin walking around the parking lot, asking for money. When police talked to Mcloughlin they discovered the warrant. He was released on his own recognizance.

Editor's Note: Some names have been removed after a change of status in their case.

(Image via Rebecca Wilson)

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