Falsely Accused Of Theft, NJ Grandma Charged With Resisting

HANOVER, NJ — A 60-year-old grandmother from Mendham was accused of stealing a wallet May 22 from a ShopRite of Greater Morristown customer. The customer found the wallet in her car and tried to apologize, but the woman still faces charges related to the encounter.

The patron reported the potential theft to police, according to a press release. She said that a woman asked whether she could take her 2-year-old granddaughter for a walk down the aisle. The customer agreed but came back and noticed her wallet missing, and she believed the grandmother took it.

Officer Josh Williams tried speaking with the woman suspected of theft, who prepared to leave the store with a cart of groceries. The woman "refused to wait to speak with Officer Williams and continued walking away from him," according to police.

Williams tried explaining he needed her information because of the accusations against her. He told the woman if she ignored orders, she'd be charged with obstructing his investigation. As Williams tried to stop her from walking away, she said "no" and continued toward her vehicle.
The officer advised her that she charged with obstruction. During the arrest, she "resisted and would not comply with the orders being given to her and pulled away during handcuffing and refused to walk when asked to," according to Hanover police.

Officers advised her a summons would be mailed with charges of obstruction and resisting arrest. As she was arrested, the customer said she found the wallet in her vehicle and wanted to apologize. But the grandmother wasn't interested in listening, police said.

Hanover police did not immediately return Patch's request for additional comment.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.