HOBOKEN – A Jersey City resident was charged with shoplifting and bail jumping after a ShopRite employee caught him allegedly stealing 20 value packs of Trident gum and 48 chocolate bars earlier this month, according to a police report.
Christopher Bitetti, 43, of Montgomery Avenue, was spotted by the store’s loss prevention officer allegedly sticking the gum and candy into the chest area of his coat, the report said. When the officer confronted Bitetti as he was attempting to exit the store, Bitteti allegedly made no effort to pay for the items and was escorted to a holding room while the police were called.
The total value of the gum and candy allegedly taken was $103, including tax, the report said. The items included value packs of various flavors of Trident gum, including watermelon, Tropical Twist, and Mint Bliss. The Hershey bars were of the almond variety.
When police interviewed Bitetti at the ShopRite, the report said, he was apparently very nauseous and was vomiting. It’s unclear if his sickness was related to the alleged theft. Bitetti was transferred to Hoboken University Medical Center.
Police filed an additional bail jumping charge against Bitetti when they found that he allegedly failed to appear in court on warrants issued in Bayonne and Hasbrouck Heights. – Dean DeChiaro
Jersey City man accused of stealing $100 worth of gum and sweets from Hoboken Shop Rite
