Wyckoff Serial Shoplifter Arrested, Scuffles With Security Guard: Police

WYCKOFF, N.J. — A serial resident shoplifter was charged with robbery last month after shoplifted from the Shop & Shop and injured a security guard, police said.

James Hayes, 59, shoplifted from the supermarket just before 2:30 p.m. Aug. 19, said Acting Chief David Murphy. Police were told Hayes struggled with a store security guard, who received a minor injury, and fled the scene in a vehicle, Murphy said.

Detective Sgt. Joseph Soto found and stopped the vehicle Hayes was driving; Detective Ryan Noon and Officer William Plisich charged Hayes with robbery, shoplifting, driving with a suspended license, and failure to inspect a motor vehicle, Murphy said.

Hayes shoplifted from the store twice before, police said, and was also charged in connection with those incidents, Murphy said.

Hayes was taken to Bergen County Jail in default of $50,000 bail, police said.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: James Hayes, 59, — Bergen County Sheriff's Office