The items that the alleged shoplifted tried to steal totaled $186.99.
Woman charged with second-degree robbery after trying to shoplift $186.99 worth of merchandise. (File Photo) NORTH PLAINFIELD -- A Plainfield woman who allegedly got caught shoplifting at a North Plainfield CVS was indicted on a robbery charge after she was accused of fighting with a pharmacy employee who tried to stop her from leaving.
Vonetta S. Sterling-Sargent, 34, was confronted by a CVS store manager after being seen concealing items inside a bag on Sept. 22, police said.
The store manager attempted to stop Sterling-Sargent and a physical altercation ensued, police said. The store manager was dragged approximately five feet out of the exit door by Sterling-Sargent, police said.
The incident was recorded on store surveillance cameras, police said.
During the struggle, the bag ripped and all the items spilled out onto the floor, police said. Sterling-Sargent fled the store and entered a waiting getaway vehicle, a Volkswagon Passat Wagon, driven by a male who was later identified as Anthony Foster, police said.
The store manager ran outside and while attempting to stop the fleeing vehicle, she ripped the front license plate from the Passat, police said.
The store manager sustained minor abrasions on her face, neck and arm during the altercation, and was able to rip an identification necklace from around Sterling-Sargent's neck, police said.
The total value of the items Sterling-Sargent attempted to steal was $186.99, police said.
Sterling-Sargent has admitted to being at the store but denies stealing anything, police said.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
