By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Bloomfield are investigating a shoplifting incident in which a Verona man allegedly walked out of a local hardware store with thousands of dollars in merchandise.
According to Bloomfield authorities, the incident occurred on May 17 at the Home Depot located at 60 Orange Street.
A Bloomfield police officer working a security detail at the store witnessed a man leaving the premises with six air conditioning units without making any attempt to pay for them.
Officials said the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Christopher Morales of Verona, was immediately stopped by the officer. The stolen items were valued at $2,166.42.
Morales was taken into custody on the scene and later transported to Bloomfield Police Headquarters, where he was processed on shoplifting charges.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, as police work to determine if any additional parties or prior incidents in the Township may be connected.