Elizabeth police announced today the arrest of an Elizabeth man and a Jersey City woman that allegedly scammed several senior citizens, the latest victim in Elizabeth.
Authorities said that on Sunday an-85-year-old Elizabeth woman was placing groceries in her car at the Seabra Foods Supermarket – located at 1000 South Elmora Avenue –when she noticed that she could not properly close her driver’s side door.
She was immediately approached by a man – later identified as Anthony Quick - who asked her what was wrong with her car. The victim explained that her door would not shut, Quick told the victim he could fix it, police said.
Quick sat in the driver’s seat concealing an unknown object subsequently placing his hand under dashboard removing an alleged part, claiming that the piece was burned out and damaged and that now the door would close.
Quick than demanded that the victim pay him $2,600 immediately for the repair of the door.
After aggressively demanding payment, the victim felt pressured to render payment so victim was accompanied to the Wells Fargo Bank on Rahway Avenue where she withdrew $300 out of the ATM.
She then told Quick - who was now accompanied by a woman - that she would have to return to the bank on Monday to retrieve the remainder of the cash.
Authorities said on Monday they responded to Almalfe Bros. where the victim went to have her door checked after becoming suspicious of the alleged repair.
The victim told police that Quick was very persistent and aggressive in his attempts to get the remainder of money. Officers Michael Gregory and Victor Arena responded and spoke to the victim, they immediately felt that she was the victim of a “flim flam” type scam, commonly committed against the elderly.
Police asked the victim to contact Quick a meeting where patrols units would be concealed.
After a thorough investigation, both suspects, Anthony Quick, 50, of Elizabeth and Mary Mitchell, 26, of Jersey City, were arrested and charged with one count of 4th degree theft by deception, one count of 3rd degree theft by deception, and one count of criminal attempt.
Both suspects are being held in the Union County Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 cash bail.
The Elizabeth Police Department would like anyone who may have information, been a victim of a similar crime, or may know somebody who has been the victim of a similar crime, to contact Elizabeth Police Detective Yohara Barrios at (908)558-2103 or Detective Joseph Gramiak at (908)558-2096.
All information and identities will be kept confidential.