The Prom Dress Theft That Wasn't; Man Stinks at Child's Game

Each week, Patch combs through the more shocking, surprising and often absurd alleged criminal acts and police-related incidents that unfold throughout New Jersey. Here’s what went on this week for “OMGs from NJ PDs.”

Prom Dress Theft Fabricator: Remember last week when we told you about the  from a Wayne store? Yeah… turns out the , police say. That’s the beauty of people who do dumb things without stopping the security camera first. For her trouble, and her alleged lying, store owner Patricia Dowling has an upcoming court date to answer a charge of filing a false police report.

Puppy APB Called Off: Now to a much happier update. Also last week, we told you about a heartbreaking theft: a family’s 11-week-old puppy Fiona was stolen in a break-in, along with a bunch of jewelry, electronics and personal effects. Happily, Fiona is back with her Toms River family.

Failing at Hide-and-Seek: Sometimes (often, as we see in OMG PDs), suspects make it so easy for police. Take Jack Poffenberger, 46, of Garwood. Police might never have suspected he was allegedly carrying heroin if not for Poffenberger's odd behavior:  as police patrolled. We suspect Poffenberger didn’t excel at hide-and-seek as a kid either.

Fake Gun, Real Charges: A Blackwood suspect got more and less than she bargained for when she tried to . On the less side: She walked away with no cash. On the more side: A store employee wrestled her down and held her until police arrived—then she was slapped with multiple charges and $150,000 bail.