Alleged Shoplifter Flees Watchung Stores, Caught By Police

WATCHUNG, NJ — An alleged shoplifter fled from two Watchung stores before being caught by police on foot in Scotch Plains, police report.

Andre Thomas, 20, of Plainfield was seen on surveillance video putting $209.95 worth of men's clothing under his jacket while at Stein Mart on Route 22 West in Watchung on Jan. 25 at 11:49 a.m., police report.

A store employee tried to stop Thomas from leaving in the vestibule but he ran away, according to the report.

Thomas was able to be identified through the surveillance video. Thomas was also found to have an active warrant out of Plainfield for $425.

At 3:06 p.m., Watchung Police got a call about a suspicious man inside Kohl's on Route 22 West matching the description of Thomas. When police tried to stop Thomas he fled on foot, according to police.

Thomas was later found on Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains and was arrested.

Watchung Police Blotter:

On Jan. 27 at 1:27 p.m.: Thomas Zuber, 35, of Colonia was arrested for DWI, Having an Expired Driver's License, and Hindering Traffic following a traffic stop on Route 22 East. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released with a mandatory court date.

On Jan. 26 at 10:45 a.m.: Derrance Moore, 47, of Newark was arrested for Maintenance of Lights and Driving while Suspended following a traffic stop. He also had an outstanding warrant out of North Plainfield for $500. He was transported to headquarters, processed and sent to North Plainfield in lieu of bail.

On Jan. 26 at 6:28 p.m.: Dontae Collins, 21, of Plainfield was arrested at Plainfield Police Department for having an outstanding Watchung Municipal Court warrant for $500. He was transported to Somerset County Jail in lieu of bail.

On Jan. 23 at 10:07 p.m.: Michael Worth, 30 of Leeds, Maine was arrested for driving the wrong way on the Stirling Road traffic circle. Police also found he had an active warrant out of Lyndhurst for $189. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released on ROR.

On Jan. 20 at 1:50 p.m.: Michael Ross, 35, of Scotch Plains was arrested for shoplifting $497.88 worth of electronic merchandise from Walmart on Route 22 West. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released on summonses.

On Jan. 22 at 3:19 p.m.: Ruth Gamarra-Mesarino, 37, of North Plainfield was arrested at Unique Thrift Store after refusing multiple times to comply with officer's orders to leave the store. She was transported to headquarters, processed and released with a court date.

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