Woman Surprised to be Arrested After Trying to Steal from Hoboken ShopRite

Around 8:06 PM on February 23, 2025, Officers Stephen Chowanec and Donovan Ortiz with the Hoboken Police Department responded to a report of a shoplifting at ShopRite on 900 Madison Street. The officers walked upstairs to the loss prevention office and made contact with the alleged shoplifter. They were informed that a woman was being detained by store security after attempting to steal about $144 worth of items, as indicated on the receipt.

The woman was identified as Carla. She was initially under the impression that she would only receive a warning, and she seemed surprised that she was being arrested. Carla was placed in handcuffs, escorted down the stairs, and placed in the patrol car. The officers transported her to the Hoboken Police Department for further processing. Carla was charged with shoplifting under 2C:20-11B(1).

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