Gloucester Township Police Media Release- Shoplifting Crew Arrested After Assaulting Police Officer 9-23-2024
On September 22, 2024 Gloucester Township Police were conducting investigative operations in the area of Gloucester Township Premium Outlets, located at 100 Premium Outlet Drive, in Gloucester Township. A detail of officers was assigned as a result of shoplifting investigations which indicated that a crew of serial shoplifters out of Pennsylvania were stealing from retail stores across the South Jersey region. Officers observed the suspects arrived on location in a vehicle. Surveillance was conducted and it was determined that they shoplifted merchandise from 2 stores in the complex.
As the suspects returned to their vehicle they were stopped by one of the officers. As the officer was detaining one female suspect at the vehicle, the two remaining male suspects quickly entered that vehicle and began to drive off. They struck the officer with one of the vehicle's doors as they attempted to flee. The suspect vehicle sped out sideswiping a responding police vehicle. The suspect vehicle was stopped by officers on Robert E. Kelly Boulevard and two adult males were taken into custody without further incident. The officer suffered minor injury, and was treated at a local hospital for injuries and released. Those arrested were believed to have been involved in significant retail thefts across the region, and the investigation continues.
Chief David Harkins stated, “I am very proud of the hard work and investigative efforts of our officers, and loss prevention specialists, which brought this crew's criminal activities to an end. As a result of the quick actions by our officers, no one else was hurt.”
As a result of the investigation the suspects were charged with Aggravated Assault on Police, Eluding, Shoplifting, Fugitive from Justice, Hindering Apprehension, Obstruction, Conspiracy and several motor vehicle violations. All subjects were charged in accordance with NJ Bail Reform.
Arrest: Amanda Palmer 26yo 0-100 block of Foster Ave. Sharon Hill, PA - Conspiracy (Released summons)
Arrest: Antonio Erwin 21yo 1400 block of N. Felton St. Philadelphia, PA - Shoplifting, Obstruction (Released summons)
Arrest: Jamir Richards 30yo 1800 block of S. 6th St. Philadelphia, PA - Aggravated Assault (x2), Eluding, Shoplifting, Hindering Apprehension, Fugitive from Justice. (Remand-Camden County Correctional Facility)
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/1682
