On Tuesday October 30, 2012, Roselle Park Police investigated suspicious persons at World Of Liquors, located 137 Chestnut Street. Patrols observed a group of five (5) entering and exiting the liquor store over a short period of time without making a purchase. Some of the individuals appeared to be concealing objects in their clothing as they exited the store. As patrols moved, in the suspects fled.
Patrolmen Alexander Lanza and Richard Gaylord apprehended Donnell Smith, 22, of East Orange, and Kevin Shider, 27, of Linden. Both had apparently shoplifted gallons of vodka.
According to police, Shider ignored commands to stop and was forcibly taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. Shider reportedly also refused to show his hands and demanded the officers shoot him. Shider was found with no weapons. He was charged with Obstruction, Resisting and Shoplifting.
Smith was also apprehended after a foot pursuit. Smith lunged and struck one of the arresting officers. He was charged with Obstruction, Assault on Police and Shoplifting.
Both were lodged into the Union County Jail on $10,000 bail.
Three (3) suspects remain at large. A review of video of footage of the suspects in the store revealed that they attempted to use credit cards to purchase cigarettes and gum, but the cards were denied. Those customers appeared to be distracting the clerks while suspects were stealing products from the store.
Neither police officer was injured during the violent arrests.