SOUTH BRUNSWICK — A Monroe man arrested for shoplifting is also facing drug charges, according to police.
Stephen Riselvato, 36, of Monroe was charged with numerous offenses by South Brunswick police Monday.
According to police spokesman Detective Jim Ryan, Riselvato attempted to shoplift about $73 worth of soda, pretzels and car polish from the Stop & Shop supermarket on Route 522.
Ryan said store security was monitoring Riselvato and his 7-year-old daughter as they were in the store on Monday.
According to Ryan, Riselvato had opened several packages in the store and tried to place food from the salad bar into storage bags that he picked up in the store earlier.
Riselvato and his daughter tried to leave the store with a shopping cart holding items that had not been purchased when store security stopped him, according to Ryan.
Ryan said Riselvato then started to fight with the store security guard, biting him four times on the arms and chest, and punching him in the groin.
According to Ryan, a customer in the store intervened and was able to subdue Riselvato until police arrived.
The guard, Frank Martin, 47, of Hightstown, was transported by the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad to University Medical Center at Princeton for treatment.
Police said that Riselvato was arrested at the scene and taken to police headquarters for processing.
His daughter was taken home by a family member, according to police.
Once at the police station, it was discovered that Riselvato had $700 in cash, a syringe and 50 small, wax packages containing what police believe to be heroin.
Riselvato was charged with robbery, possession of heroin and possession of a hypodermic syringe.
Ryan said bail was set at $10,000, and that Riselvato was released after he posted a 10-percent bond.
Ryan said that more charges relating to having his daughter with him during the incident may be made by the Middlesex County Grand Jury when the case is heard.