BRICK – A Whiting man was caught trying to take power tools, and gold jewelry was found in his vehicle, police said.
On Feb. 25, the Loss Prevention officer for Home Depot saw Michael Shecton, 28, placing items in empty bins. The officer recognized Shecton from previous incidents, police said.
The township police were contacted and the Brick Police Street Crimes Unit was in the area and responded while Shecton was still in the store. He allegedly left the store without paying for the items, which were mostly power tools. They had a value of about $5,000.
Police said the Loss Prevention officer tried to stop him, and he started running. He was chased down by Sgt. Lawrence Petrola, Jeff Person and Matt Firneno. When his vehicle was searched, they found a bag of gold jewelry which is believed to be from other crimes being investigated.
Shecton was charged with Shoplifting and Obstruction of Justice. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
