By: Richard L. Smith
Two Newark residents were taken into custody by Bloomfield police following a shoplifting incident at a Dollar General on Friday that escalated into assault and robbery charges.
The incident occurred at 600 Bloomfield Avenue, where police responded to reports of a robbery.
According to Bloomfield law enforcement, Mr. Andrea Morton, 45, and Vita Ford, 43, both of Newark, attempted to steal items from the store by concealing detergent and other goods in a bag.
When confronted by a store employee, Morton reportedly shoved the employee to the ground and then kicked her in the face before fleeing the scene.
Officers quickly responded to the area and apprehended the suspects.
Morton and Ford were arrested and transported to Bloomfield Police Headquarters, where they were processed
.
The injured employee received medical attention, and the case remains under investigation.