Four New Yorkers charged in Newark shoplifting ring
Newark NJ Aug 25 2017 Four residents of Brooklyn, N.Y., were arrested last week and charged with stealing a large quantity of over-the-counter medication from two Acme markets in Newark.
The investigation began Aug. 19 when a loss prevention employee from the College Square Acme flagged down a police officer patrolling the shopping center to report four suspected shoplifters who were inside the store. Acme employees recognized the four as people suspected of stealing from the Acme in Suburban Plaza, according to Sgt. Gerald Bryda, a spokesman for the Newark Police Department.
Police saw three of the suspects leaving the shopping center, stopped their car and arrested them.
“A search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of over-the-counter medications, which were traced back to both Acme stores,” Bryda said.
Amtrak Police arrested the fourth suspect at the Wilmington train station after the suspect acted suspiciously and abandoned a bag full of stolen medicine, Bryda said.
Those arrested include Daquan Blount, 25; Cleotilda Durant-Davis, 46; Ashley Fitzpatrick, 25; and Anthony Francois, 23. All four were charged with organized retail crime, shoplifting, third-degree conspiracy and possession of shoplifting tools. They were jailed in lieu of bail.
In total, police recovered $1,248 worth of medicine stolen from the two stores.
