EAST BRUNSWICK — Five people were arrested on theft-related charges outside two Route 18 businesses last week.
Police apprehended four suspects outside Best Buy at 8:30 p.m. Friday after Patrolman Jeff Marino noticed a man leaving the store clutching a large bulge beneath his jacket. The man entered a Ford van, and police were told by a civilian that two other men who had activated the store alarm had also gotten into the same van, police said.
Marino stopped the van and saw that the men appeared to be concealing electronic games beneath the seats, according to a police report. A search of the van revealed more than $7,000 in stolen merchandise from Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Police said they also found an array of burglary tools inside the van.
Its occupants, Shawn T. Nelson, 18, Ronell A. Johnson, 23, Mark D. Worley, 29, and Sharif N. Graham, 30, all of New York, were charged with possession of stolen property and burglary tools. Each was held in lieu of $20,000 bail.
On March 1, a 37-year-old North Brunswick man was arrested outside ShopRite. Police said store security chased an unknown suspect who was attempting to steal five bags of frozen shrimp. During the chase, police said Anthony D. Crocket, who police believe had been waiting in the parking lot for the shoplifter, also ran from the scene. Police apprehended Crocket in South River after he crossed Old Bridge Turnpike. The shoplifter was not found.
Police said they found 12 additional bags of stolen frozen shrimp, valued at $300, in Crocket’s car in the ShopRite parking lot.
Crocket was charged with receiving stolen property and released. Police believe Crocket picked up the shoplifter earlier in the day on Commercial Avenue in New Brunswick.