Shoplifter Flees, Getaway Car Caught In Next Parking Lot In Manahawkin: Police

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A shoplifter failed at an attempted return scheme at Walmart and was caught in her getaway car one parking lot over at Aldi, Stafford police said in a release.

At about 3 p.m. on Jan. 8, Stafford police began watching a known shoplifter at Walmart on Route 72, police said.

The shoplifter, 40-year-old Jacquelyn Best of Toms River, was seen hiding items in a reusable bag and tried to return an item she did not purchase, police said.

When Walmart declined the return, Best left without paying for the items hidden in her bag. She then entered a vehicle waiting for her in the parking lot, police said.

However, the vehicle was stopped in the Aldi parking lot, police said. The driver was identified as 54-year-old William J. Andujar of Whiting, according to police.

A search of the vehicle revealed crack cocaine, police said.

Best was arrested for shoplifting about $210 worth of merchandise from Walmart. She was charged with shoplifting/concealing, hindering, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to make a lawful disposition.

Andujar was charged with shoplifting, conspiracy to commit shoplifting, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to make a lawful disposition.

Both were taken to Ocean County Jail.