On January 14th at 8 pm several officers responded to Boscov’s in the Ocean County Mall for a reported fight. Upon arrival it was determined that two people had been observed shoplifting clothing from the juniors department. They were observed removing merchandise from the racks and placing it in a bag from another retail establishment. They were approached by a two loss prevention officers and they refused to comply with their requests to accompany them to the security office.
The suspects were approached as they left the store. The woman fled the store and the man initiated an attack on one of the loss prevention officers. A struggle ensued after the man began punching the officer in the face causing bleeding to his nose and mouth. Both men fell to the ground prior to the man escaping. Both the man and the woman fled in a black Hyundai that was possibly a Sonata.
Although the initial incident was a minor shoplifting offense; when a physical assault occurs during the commission of a theft the charges are upgraded to a Robbery charge. Their bail will be set at the time of their apprehension.
We are asking the publics assistance in identifying these two individuals. Anyone who can help is urged to contact Officer Matthew Crosta at 732-349-0150 extension 1392.
