LINDEN — On Dec. 24, at 4:20 p.m. police responded to the Home Depot in Aviation Plaza, on a report of a shoplifter fighting with security personnel.
Arriving officers had to separate the loss prevention officer, male, 32, and the suspect, later identified as Kenneth V. Iacone, 43, of Staten Island.
Iacone was observed on security cameras allegedly placing three Dewalt Combo 20 V Kits, valued at $897, into a shopping cart along with an orange five gallon bucket and attempted to walk out of the store through the Garden Department exit when the alarm sensor sounded.
Iacone then allegedly abandoned the cart and attempted to flee through an emergency fire exit door at the rear of the department but the door would not open.
He was then confronted by the security officer when a struggle ensued between the two. During the struggle, the security officer sustained cuts and bruises to his arms and wrists while attempting to handcuff Iacone. He was then taken into custody as officers arrived on the scene.
The security officer also complained of a shortness of breath. The Fire Department ambulance responded to the scene and administered oxygen to the guard before taking him to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway for observation.
Iacone was charged with second-degree robbery and shoplifting and was being held on $75,000 bail pending a court date set for Jan. 3. He also had a contempt warrant out of Carneys Point.