Police Log: Burglary on Merline, Multiple Thefts

On Saturday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m., Sonia Castellan-Hernandez, 29, of Trenton, was charged with shoplifting after she allegedly concealed underwear, pants, purse, and a Kitchen Aid hand mixer in a Sears bag and tried to leave the Sears store without paying. The items were valued at approximately $200. She was released on a summons. 

On Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m., a victim reported that he left his laptop computer on the bleachers of the Lawrence High School baseball fields between Oct. 23 at noon and Oct. 24 at noon. The computer was valued at about $500. 

On Sunday, Nov. 17 shortly before 5 p.m., a woman reported that she was in Macy's trying on a coat when she put her purse on the floor and covered it with her own coat. As she turned around, she saw a man running away with her wallet. She described him as a black male, 35-45 years old, black hair (with grey), medium build, 5'9" to 6' tall, wearing a brown and black jacket. The victim said her wallet contained $300 in cash, plus credit cards. An investigation continues by Off. Whitmore. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 19 around 11:15 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of Merline Avenue reported a burglary that had occurred sometime since 8 a.m. that morning. The resident reported coming from work and finding the house ransacked, items rummaged through and items missing. Some of the missing items were found on the back side of the house inside a ripped bag- jeans and a laptop computer. Missing items including a tablet, clothing and $400 in cash.