Shoplifting, Fraud, Theft Reported In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Shoplifting, fraud, theft, and a warrant arrest were reported in Westfield Police's latest blotter.

Westfield Police Blotter – June 22 to June 28:

On June 22 at 7:18 p.m.: Officers were alerted to a wanted vehicle entering Westfield. Upon locating the vehicle, it was stopped on East Grove Street. An on-scene investigation led to a hindering apprehension charge for Joshua Y. DeJesus, 28, of Perth Amboy, as well as an arrest for an active warrant issued by the New Jersey State Police. DeJesus was processed at Westfield Police Headquarters then turned over to the NJSP.

On June 24 at 6:23 p.m.: A local business in the 1100 block of W. South Avenue reports a shoplifting incident involving an unknown suspect who took possession of $359.98 worth of caffeinated beverages and left without paying. Suspect is described as an African American male with dark hair and a dark beard wearing a black shirt and black pants.

On June 25 at 12:36 p.m.: Natalie Velasquez, 22, Roselle Park, was arrested following a motor vehicle stop on W. North Avenue and E. Broad Street on the strength of an outstanding warrant from Carteret Municipal Court for $750. She was released on her own recognizance with a new court date.

On June 26 at 9:30 a.m.: A resident in the 500 block of Shackamaxon Drive was contacted by an unknown suspect via email and telephone who falsely identified themselves as a member of a technical support company. The suspect instructed the victim to purchase numerous gift cards from local businesses and to provide serial numbers for each card. The victim suffered monetary loss in the amount of $2,300 as a result of this fraud.

On June 26 at 5:45 p.m.: The victim reports the theft of a wallet from a shopping cart by an unknown suspect while shopping at a local business in the 100 block of Elm Street. The victim suffered monetary loss of around $650 as a result of this theft.

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