HOBOKEN — A 58-year-old woman was arrested and charged with shoplifting and resisting arrest on Friday, Aug. 27 at a store in the 600 block of Washington St.
The store owner claimed that Margaret Walls, of Paterson, allegedly took a dress off one of the racks and concealed it inside her purse, according to a police report.
As the police were speaking with the owner, Walls allegedly approached the police and attempted to forcefully exit the store, according to the report.
After being asked several times, Walls admitted to taking one item, and pulled out a dress she had allegedly concealed in her handbag, according to the report. After producing the dress, Walls sat on a couch in the store, and allegedly attempted to conceal sterling silver rings inside the cushions.
After the police told Walls she was under arrest for shoplifting, she allegedly attempted to push her way to the front door. During a struggle with the police, Walls warned the officers she was HIV positive and told the officers to stay away, according to the report. After a brief struggle, the officers were able to subdue the woman and place her into custody, according to the report.
The police determined Walls had allegedly concealed and attempted to remove two dresses totaling $137, and 15 sterling silver rings totaling $940, according to the report. Prior to the police leaving the store, they discovered Walls allegedly had in her possession merchandise not belonging to that store. Police said the stolen merchandise totaled $2,346.
A police officer was treated and transported to the Hoboken University Medical Center Hospital after sustaining injuries from the struggle, according to the report.