Accused Shoplifter Tries To Take Car Outside Bloomfield Dollar Store: Police

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A car theft and an attempted car theft were recently reported on the same day in Bloomfield, authorities say.

Both incidents took place on Sept. 30, according to the Bloomfield Police Department.

ACCUSED SHOPLIFTER TRIES TO TAKE CAR – Officers responded to the Dollar General at 600 Bloomfield Avenue after getting a report about a shoplifting. When police arrived at the store, the suspect fled on foot with the stolen items. He then tried to take control of a vehicle that was stopped in traffic. Officers arrested the suspect – later identified as Justin Armstrong, 34, of Newark – and transported him to Bloomfield police headquarters to be charged, authorities said.

CAR STOLEN OUTSIDE RESTAURANT – Officers responded to a restaurant on the 10-block of Bloomfield Avenue after getting a report about a motor vehicle theft. The victim told officers that he left his white 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee parked and running while he went inside the eatery. When he returned, the vehicle was missing. An investigation continues, authorities said.

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