An Elizabeth man - accompanied by his 5-year-old son - was arrested yesterday afternoon after stealing a television from a Linden store.
Police responded to the Walmart, located at 1601 W. Edgar Road, on a report of a shoplifter in custody yesterday at approximately 1:03 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers met with Loss Prevention who told them that they observed Alleon D. Gayles, 44, of Elizabeth, place a Samsung 50” television, valued at $548.00, in a shopping cart.
Shortly after, he walked over to the stationery department, where he ripped open a scissor from its packaging, and used it to cut the alarm sensor on the TV.
Gayles then walk towards the exit where he produced a week-old receipt before attempting to walk out of the store.
The employee at the exit door observed the discrepancy in the receipt and contacted security.
Gayles, with his 5-year-old son present, was stopped and taken into custody. He told the loss prevention officers that he had “made a big mistake”.
Gayles was found to be in possession of the pair of scissors and a battery charger, a total of $561.94, in stolen property.
Gayles was arrested and charged with third-degree shoplifting pending a court date later this month. He was released on a summons.
The state Department of Children and Families was notified to assess the family situation and ensure the welfare of the child.