A 25-year-old Elizabeth man accused of threatening a Target loss prevention officer was arrested Monday afternoon, according to police.
Officers responded to Target, located at 621 W. Edgar Road, Monday at 1:39 p.m. on a report of a shoplifter fleeing the store.
Officers were told that a Hispanic man on a red bicycle fled the store after stealing a duffel bag and 5 containers of baby formula.
Responding officers observed the suspect, later identified as Carlos F. Villegas, 25, of Elizabeth, pedaling on S. Wood Avenue.
He was later stopped and apprehended on the 700 block of S. Wood Ave.
Officers then spoke to a 23-year-old loss prevention officer who stated that Villegas took the green duffel bag and placed five containers of baby formula in the bag. He then attempted to flee out the rear fire exit door, but when the alarm sounded, he turned around and headed for the main exit.
At the main exit, he was stopped by a second loss prevention officer, also a 23-year-old man, who told him to stop. He stated that Villegas then produced a yellow box cutter and told the officer to get out of the way. The officer backed off and allowed Villegas access out of the store on his bicycle.
Villegas was arrested and charged with first degree robbery, third degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth degree theft, and obstruction, a disorderly persons offense.
He was transported to the Union County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail pending a court date of June 20th.
Conviction of a first degree crime can result in a prison term of 10-20 years and fines up to $200,000.