Shoplifting Incident at New Jersey Mall Leads to Robbery Charges Against Paterson Resident
A 20-year-old Paterson resident is facing multiple criminal charges after police say a suspected shoplifting incident at one of New Jersey’s busiest shopping malls turned into a violent confrontation with a store security officer.
According to authorities, the incident happened Friday afternoon at the Zara clothing store inside Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus. Police responded to the shopping centre after receiving reports of a robbery involving a retail theft suspect and a loss prevention officer.
Investigators said the situation began when a man allegedly attempted to leave the store carrying a white polo shirt valued at $45.90 without paying for it. Store security personnel noticed the individual after anti-theft alarms were activated near the exit. Officers said the suspect was unable to provide proof of purchase when approached by the store’s loss prevention officer.
Police said the security officer tried to stop the man from leaving the store while investigating the suspected theft. During that encounter, the suspect allegedly struck the officer in the face with a closed fist before escaping from the location.
Authorities said the suspect then ran through the mall parking lot, entered a pickup truck, and drove away in the direction of Route 4 before officers arrived. Although the loss prevention officer was reportedly hit during the incident, he declined medical treatment at the scene.
Following the investigation, Paramus police identified the suspect as 20-year-old Kendry Peralta of Paterson. Officers arrested him later that evening at approximately 7:35 p.m.
Peralta has been charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree aggravated assault, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Court records show that after being processed, he was lodged at the Bergen County Jail before being released following a court appearance on Monday.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation, and information about legal representation for the defendant was not immediately available.
Under New Jersey law, a shoplifting case can become a robbery charge if force or violence is allegedly used while committing the theft or attempting to flee. Because of this, incidents that begin as suspected retail thefts may result in significantly more serious criminal charges when physical confrontations occur.
Retail theft continues to be a concern for businesses across New Jersey and the United States. Many retailers have increased security measures, including surveillance systems, electronic anti-theft devices, and trained loss prevention teams, to help reduce theft and protect both employees and customers. Law enforcement agencies also continue to encourage anyone involved in retail theft investigations to cooperate with officers and avoid situations that could escalate into violence.
The charges filed in this case are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Sources
- Paramus Police Department
- Bergen County Jail
- New Jersey Judiciary
