Shoplifting, Theft of Moveable Property Arrest(s)

[Lt. Robert Osborn]

On 4/13/17 AT 10:46a.m., the Newton Police responded to the Newton Shop-Rite Liquors regarding a reported male shoplifter who had recently left the store. 

Upon arrival, patrols located a male subject in the parking lot (who was identified as Shawn P. Smith, age 45 of Waretown, N.J.) to be in possession of two (23.5 oz.) cans of Mike’s Harder Lime that were found concealed in his socks that he was wearing.

As a result, Smith was arrested and served with a summons charging him with the following:

N.J.S. 2C:20-11b(2)  Shoplifting (Disorderly Persons Offense)

Smith was released pending a 4/25/17 appearance in Newton Municipal Court.

Approximately two hours later, Newton Police received a report from an employee of the Barrel House at 173 Spring Street, Newton that her Apple I-Phone had been stolen from within the establishment.

Further investigation resulted in Smith being located by officers in the area of Woodside Avenue and found to be consuming an alcoholic beverage in public. Subsequently, the stolen phone in question was located in close proximity to him and the victim identified Smith as the individual who had been present in the Barrel House 2 hours prior and who was suspected of being responsible for the theft.

Smith was then additionally charged with:

N.J.S. 2C:20-3a Theft of Moveable Property (Disorderly Persons Offense)

Newton Town Ordinance 4-92 – Consumption of Alcohol in a Public Place and

Newton Town Ordinance 4-96 – Open Container of an Alcoholic Beverage

 

He was then released on his own recognizance pending Court.

 

Investigating Officers:

Ptl. Mahir Kaylani, Ptl. Thomas Tosti, Ptl. Edward Sperling, Sgt. Dean Coppolella

Detective Joseph D’Annibale.