Shoplifting, Identity Theft, And Assault: Watchung Police Blotter

WATCHUNG, NJ — There were multiple reports of shoplifting in Watchung in the past week, as well as cases of harassment, identity theft, and assault.

Here's the full Watchung police blotter for the period between May 24 and June 1:

On May 30: At around 10:57 a.m. a resident of Valley Road contacted Watchung Police to report that he received a harassing phone call from an unknown person.

On May 26: At approximately 10:04 p.m. the Watchung Police responded to Walmart to investigate a report of shoplifting. Walmart security told police that a woman tried to leave the store with food and clothing without paying. Police are investigating.

On May 26: At approximately 12:29 p.m. the Watchung Police were called to the Sunoco Gas Station in response to a dispute between the attendant and a customer.

On May 27: At approximately 7:40 a.m the Watchung Police responded to Walmart to investigate a shoplifting incident. Walmart security told police that two men attempted to shoplift several packages of deodorant.

On May 28: At around 11:57 a.m. the Watchung police responded to the Staples parking lot in the Watchung Square Mall to investigate an incident of assault. A woman said that an aggressive driver followed her into the mall parking lot and spit on her during a verbal argument. Police made contact with the other driver, who denied the assault. Both parties were advised of the municipal court complaint signing procedure.

On May 28: A resident of Skyline Drive reported an incident of identity theft. The resident advised that an unknown person used his personal information to file for NJ employment benefits. Watchung Police is investigating.

On May 28: At around 2:33 a.m., Watchung Police arrested Michael Tomaiko, 33, of Manville for driving while intoxicated. Tomaiko was placed under arrest after he failed field sobriety tests stemming from a traffic stop on Route 22. Tomaiko was issued a summons for driving while intoxicated.

On July 1: At approximately 11:35 a.m. the Watchung police arrested 35-year-old Michael Lewis Jr, of New Brunswick on two active warrants. The warrants were discovered during a traffic stop on Route 22. Lewis was released after posting bail pending a court date.