Alleged Shoplifter Punches Paramus Cop While Trying to Flee

An alleged shoplifter who cops say was trying to flee a Paramus mall Saturday was arrested after he led police on a foot chase across Route 4.

Kemar Bogle, 26, of East Orange, was one half of a duo of shoplifters accused of stealing approximately $300 worth of cologne and men's wear Sephora and Abercrombie and Fitch, Paramus Police Captain Robert Guidetti said Monday.

When police tried to apprehend the alleged shoplifter in the Garden State Plaza  parking lot, Bogle punched Officer Keith Bland in the head and tried to make a run for it, police said.

Bogle avoided initial capture and dashed across Route 4 to escape police, but was eventually arrested after he ran into an office building parking lot on Madison Avenue not far from the police department, according to Guidetti.

The man police believe was working with Bogle, 22-year-old Nico Phillips, of Jamaica, NY, was caught hiding between vehicles in the mall parking lot and charged with one count of shoplifting. 

Bogle was charged with possession of stolen property, aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. He was also charged with possession of marijuana.

Both men were brought to the Bergen County Jail with bail set at $10,000 for Bogle and $2,500 for Phillips. They are due to appear in court on June 12.