Detectives following up on an alleged stolen credit card case encountered a second man wanted in unrelated Lakewood shoplifting investigations.
LAKEWOOD, N.J. – A trip to a Wawa in Browns Mills to investigate the alleged fraudulent use of a stolen credit card resulted in two unrelated arrests, the Lakewood Police Department said.
Detective Robert Meyer Jr. and Patrolman Anthony Amoroso traveled Monday to the Wawa on Juliustown Road in Browns Mills as part of an investigation that began with a vehicle burglary in Lakewood. Police said a credit card stolen during that burglary was allegedly used fraudulently.
Officers located Raymond L. Lawson, 59, of West Creek, at the store and arrested him on a charge of fraudulent use of a credit card, according to the department. During the same investigation, Meyer spotted Alexander Lowery, 59, of Lakewood, who police said was wanted in an unrelated series of shoplifting incidents and had an active arrest warrant.
- Lawson was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card and released on a summons.
- Lowery was wanted in connection with unrelated Lakewood shoplifting cases, police said.
- Pemberton Township police assisted Lakewood officers with both arrests.
Credit Card Investigation Leads Lakewood Officers to Browns Mills
The investigation took officers outside Lakewood to the Wawa on Juliustown Road on Aug. 18. Police said they were following up on the alleged fraudulent use of a credit card stolen during a vehicle burglary in the township.
Lawson was located at the store and taken into custody. He was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card before being released on a criminal complaint summons pending a future court appearance.
“One Trip to Wawa. Two Arrests. Two Unrelated Cases,” the Lakewood Police Department said in announcing the arrests.
Police did not provide additional details about the original vehicle burglary, including when or where it occurred, or the alleged transactions involving the stolen card.
Detective Recognizes Suspect Wanted in Unrelated Shoplifting Cases
While officers were handling the credit card investigation, Meyer recognized Lowery, according to the department. Police said the 59-year-old Lakewood man was wanted in connection with a separate series of shoplifting incidents in the township.
Lowery also had an active arrest warrant, police said. He was taken into custody and later transported to the Ocean County Jail.
The department credited the Pemberton Township Police Department with assisting in both arrests.
“The Lakewood Police Department thanks the Pemberton Township Police Department for assisting with both arrests,” the agency said.
Police did not disclose further details about the alleged shoplifting incidents or the active warrant.
Who was arrested during the Wawa investigation?
Lakewood police said Raymond L. Lawson, 59, of West Creek, and Alexander Lowery, 59, of Lakewood, were arrested in two unrelated cases.
Why were Lakewood police at the Wawa in Browns Mills?
Officers were investigating the alleged fraudulent use of a credit card stolen during a vehicle burglary in Lakewood.
What happened to the two suspects after their arrests?
Lawson was released on a criminal complaint summons pending court, while Lowery was transported to the Ocean County Jail, police said.
Sources: Lakewood Police Department public statement.
