Police: Repeat Shoplifter Shoves Loss Prevention Officer at Bloomingdale's

A Flemington man has been accused of pushing a loss prevention officer who confronted him last week about shoplifting items from Bloomingdale's in Bridgewater Commons, police said.

Matthew Cardone, 30, was charged with shoplifting on Oct. 29.

According to the police report, the loss prevention officer told police he spotted Cardone on the store's security cameras and recognized him from a September shoplifting incident that was unable to be stopped.

When the officer recognized him, he began following Cardone and reported observing him attempt to shoplift some items, police said. When the officer attempted to stop him from leaving the store, Cardone pushed him aside, causing a minor abrasion, according to the police report.

Bridgewater police were contacted and found Cardone in his vehicle on Commons Way, where he was stopped and taken into custody. He was charged with both shoplifting incidents and released after posting $2,500 bail, pending an appearance in municipal court.