By: Richard L. Smith
The Bloomfield Police Department continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in combating shoplifting offenses that occasionally escalate into more serious crimes.
In a recent incident, officers responded promptly and successfully apprehended a suspect involved in a robbery at a local Dollar Tree store.
On November 13, officers patrolling near 600 Bloomfield Avenue were dispatched to the store following a report of a robbery.
According to a store employee, a woman had concealed several cans of Red Bull in a reusable bag.
When the employee confronted her, the suspect responded by punching the employee and striking her with the bag of stolen items.
Fortunately, the employee did not sustain severe injuries during the altercation.
Bloomfield police swiftly conducted an investigation and located the suspect, who was identified as 44-year-old Ms. Nicole Wesner of Newark.
She was taken into custody and is now also being investigated for her potential involvement in other shoplifting cases across Essex County.
In another incident on December 5, Bloomfield Police responded to a report involving Nicole Wesner at the Stop & Shop on Franklin Avenue.
Wesner allegedly concealed several items in a shopping bag and attempted to leave the store without paying.
When confronted by the store’s Loss Prevention Officer, police were contacted. Officers quickly arrived on the scene and placed Wesner under arrest.
The Bloomfield Police Department’s quick response and thorough investigation highlight their ongoing commitment to maintaining public safety and addressing crimes that affect the Township.