EDISON — A loss prevention officer at the Macy’s department store in Menlo Park Mall was beaten after he tried to stop a shoplifter from leaving the premises.
The 27-year-old victim was trying to apprehend the female suspect on the second floor of the store. Upon trying to grab the merchandise from the suspect outside the store, a Ford Windstar van pulled up. According to police, two men got out of the van and started to beat and kick the employee. Eventually, the suspects fled in the van. Through video footage that was recorded by the store, another loss prevention officer was able to get a description of the suspects.
Police arrested Maria Guillermo, 35, of the Bronx, N.Y., and Luz Guillermo, 37, of Lauderhill, Fla., and charged them with shoplifting. The two suspects were held on $25,000 bail. According to police, the pair was responsible for attempting to lift $400 worth of merchandise. The two males responsible for the beating have yet to be found.
The Macy’s employee was taken to JFK Medical Center, Edison, where he was treated for his injuries.