Man Breaks Into North Jersey Shake Shack, Cooks Himself Food: Police

PARAMUS, NJ — A Newark man is facing charges after authorities said he broke into a Bergen County restaurant, stole merchandise and cooked himself food.

Jermaine Campbell, 26, was arrested Monday and charged with burglary and theft in connection with the break-ins, according to a statement from the Paramus Police Department.

Police responded to Shake Shack on Route 17 around 10:30 p.m. Saturday after the store's manager said they witnessed Campbell break into the restaurant after it was closed. Surveillance footage showed the man breaking into the restaurant multiple times, stealing merchandise and cooking food on the grill, police said.

According to police, Campbell returned to the store on Monday and tried to gain entry again, but he fled on foot after an employee called police.

An officer found Campbell hiding nearby a short time later, police said. According to authorities, he was wearing a Shake Shack T-shirt and had a chef’s hat when he was taken into custody.

Campbell was taken to the Bergen County Jail, police said.

Later on Monday, police also responded to a report of a second commercial burglary at 1 Kalisa Way. An officer reviewed surveillance footage showing Campbell inside the building after hours earlier that day. Police said Campbell may have been using the location to sleep.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400, ext. 1457.