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CLOSTER, N.J.—On Sept. 8 at 11:59 p.m., Closter patrol units were dispatched to Whole Foods in Closter Plaza on a report of a shoplifting white male suspect who fled the store. Police were told the suspect had gotten into a black Honda and were provided with a vehicle registration.
Upon arriving, Officer Christopher Barbieri observed a black Honda with matching registration traveling northbound. Barbieri activated his patrol car’s emergency lights and conducted a motor vehicle stop.
Barbieri approached the driver’s side and made contact with the driver, a Midland Park man whose name was redacted from the arrest report provided to Northern Valley Press.
With backup officers arriving, the driver was placed in handcuffs and advised he was being detained.
The Whole Foods loss prevention officer was brought onto the scene to identify the man. The loss prevention officer had attempted to stop the man from exiting the store through the bakery, stepping in front of him and asking him to show him a receipt, prompting the suspect to drop the items and physically shove him out of the way before fleeing the store.
The man was placed under arrest for robbery and was lodged in Bergen County Jail after processing.