7 Alleged Shoplifters Hit Watchung Stores, Get Away: Police

WATCHUNG, NJ — A total of seven alleged shoplifters hit Watchung stores and got away with hundreds of dollars in merchandise. Another three shoplifters were arrested in the act, according to the Watchung Police blotter.

Watchung Police blotter:

On Sept. 18 at 4:02 p.m.: DSW Shoes reported a shoplifter fled the store with two pairs of shoes. The suspect is described as a middle-aged black male approximately 6 foot tall with an average build, wearing blue jeans, blue shirt, a black hat and red shoes. The two pairs of shoes were valued at $130.

On Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.: Famous Footwear reported two suspects fled the store with four pairs of sneakers. The first suspect was described as a 30 to 40 year old black male wearing grey hat, white shirt, black trench coat, khaki pants and black shoes. The second suspect was described as a black female in her mid to late 50s wearing a black head scarf, black windbreaker, a full length black and grey dress and white sneakers. The sneakers were valued at $315.

On Sept. 23 at 8:03 p.m.: DSW Shoes reported a shoplifter who fled the store at 8 p.m. on Sept. 22 with several pairs of shoes. The suspect was described as a 6 foot tall black male with a bald head and glasses wearing a blue short sleeve down shirt, light blue jeans and tan shoes. The total number of shoes and the value was not determined at this time.

On Sept. 25 at 3:19 p.m.: Old Navy reported three females fled the store with two large bags filled with clothing they did not pay for. The first suspect was described as a black female wearing a dark cap, black shirt, black capri pants, white sneakers and carrying a large grey shoulder bag. The second suspect was described as a black female wearing a dark cap, dark hooded sweatshirt, with a white shirt hanging out past the sweatshirt, dark pants, white sneakers and carrying a large black shoulder bag. The third suspect was described as a black female wearing a dark head wrap, white shirt, grey patterned leggings and black slippers. The total value of merchandise was not known at this time.

On Sept. 25 at approximately 5:11 p.m.: Diane Mandell, 73, of Edison was arrested for Shoplifting $487.95 worth of merchandise from Sears located at 1640 Route 22 East. She transported to headquarters where she was processed and released on her own recognizance.

On Sept. 24 at 5:38 p.m.: Mirian Munoz-Hernandez, 25, of Honduras was arrested at Walmart for shoplifting $28.94 worth of cosmetics. She was transported to headquarters and processed.

On Sept. 20 at 1:54 p.m.: Mark Petrus, 47 of North Plainfield was arrested for shoplifting from Home Depot. Petrus grabbed merchandise, put it into his pants pocket and attempted to leave the store when he was stopped. He was transported to headquarters for processing and released pending a court date.

On Sept. 23 at 4:48 p.m.: Jefferey Peterson, 28, of Plainfield was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Plainfield for $250. He was transported to headqurters and was released after posting bail.

On Sept. 21 at 11:21 p.m.: Dwight Armstead, 49, of Irvington was arrested for having an active warrant out of Irvington for $180 following a motor vehicle stop on Route 22 West. He was transported to headquarters and released after posting bail.

On Sept. 19 at 8:09 p.m.: Jay Rivera, 39, of Elizabeth was arrested following a motor vehicle stop on Route 22 East for having a brake light out. During the stop it was discovered Rivera did not have a driver's license and had a warrant out of Elizabeth for $280. He was transported to headquarters where two more warrants from Bloomfield for $300 and New Providence for $301 were found under James Rivera. He admitted to legally changing his name. He was released on his own recognizance.

On Sept. 25 at 3 p.m.: An employee of Sears from North Plainfield reported someone stole her I-phone. The phone and its case were valued at $650.

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