Alleged shoplifter hits store manager
By: Maria Prato – Staff Writer
MONROE – An alleged shoplifter is facing robbery charges after police say he assaulted a manager at the Perrineville Road Stop & Shop on Wednesday night.
Police were called to the store at 8 p.m. after receiving reports a shoplifter had stolen $423 worth of baby formula, according to a Monroe Township Police Department press release.
Police said the shoplifter, identified as Dean Hamilton, 46, of Brick Township, was confronted by the store’s manager and taken to a private office as he attempted to leave, the press release states.
Mr. Hamilton then allegedly attempted to flee the office and, in the process, threw a punch at the manager, police said. The manager’s hand was injured by the punch.
Mr. Hamilton ran out of the store and drove away in a car, according to police. Police obtained the license plate of car and later arrested Mr. Hamilton at his home, according to the press release.
Officers transported Mr. Hamilton to the Monroe Township Police Department where he was processed and charged with robbery by force.
He is being detained at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick on $25,000 bail.