By: Richard L. Smith
On Sunday, October 15th, at approximately 5:49 p.m., Wayne Police Officer William Hall was on patrol at Willowbrook Mall when he received word from Willowbrook Mall Security about a shoplifting incident at Pac Sun.
With swift action, Officer Hall was thrust into the pursuit of the suspect, leading to a dramatic chase that culminated in the suspect's arrest.
The mall's security team had spotted the suspect leaving the premises, prompting Officer Hall to approach and request a conversation with the individual.
However, the situation quickly escalated when the suspect claimed to be searching for identification and suddenly sprinted across the parking lot, through Willowbrook Boulevard, and onto Riverside Drive, with Officer Hall hot on his heels.
In a show of unwavering teamwork, Officer Matthew Bernardo swiftly responded to the scene, providing crucial assistance to Officer Hall in establishing a perimeter.
The call for backup brought officers from Fairfield, Little Falls, and the Passaic County Sheriff's Office to join forces in the search for the elusive suspect.
A vigilant resident played a pivotal role in the unfolding events by contacting the police and reporting that she had spotted the suspect moving through nearby backyards.
This vital information prompted a quick response from the officers, who soon intercepted an Uber vehicle arriving at the scene.
The Uber driver disclosed that he was there to pick up an individual named "Khaalil" at a specific Riverside Drive address.
With this lead in hand, officers converged on the identified address, where they discovered the suspect, Mr. Khaalil Tariq Branch, 29, from Philadelphia, PA, concealed amidst a tall brush behind a fence. Mr. Branch was taken into custody and transported to Wayne Police Headquarters for further processing.
He faces several charges, including Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Obstruction of the Administration of Law, and Possession of an Anti-Shoplifting Countermeasure.
Additionally, Mr. Branch was charged on a warrant and is currently detained at Passaic County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.
It is essential to remember that all charges against Mr. Branch are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The collaboration and swift response of Wayne's law enforcement agencies exemplify their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the community.
