On the Beat with Middletown Police

On March 10 at 5:16 p.m., Patrolman Jason Caruso responded to the Port Monmouth Foodtown in reference to a report of a shoplifting.

Upon arrival, store security advised Officer Caruso that they had observed Steven Miller, 39, of Navesink Avenue, Highlands, conceal an eighteen pack and twelve pack of Coors Light beer by putting the items in his cart and placing his jacket over them.

Miller left the store and was stopped by security near his vehicle. He was taken into custody. Patrolman Caruso transported Miller to police headquarters where he was charged with shoplifting. He was processed and released on a summons pending a court appearance.

Less than an hour later, Patrolman John Soltysik responded to the store again in reference to a report of another shoplifting.

Upon arrival security advised Officer Caruso that they had observed Debra Kelly, 49, of Ocean Avenue, Middletown, attempt to conceal numerous food items and Bicardi Rum and leave the store.

She was arrested, taken into custody and charged with shoplifting. While being processed, it was discovered that Kelly had outstanding warrants out of Pompton Lakes and Newark municipal courts. She was released after posting $843 in bail.

The information concerning the above arrests was obtained directly from the Middletown Township Police Department's records. While all suspects have been arrested and charged with the named offenses, convictions depend on the outcome of court appearances. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in that court of law.