JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A Paterson man has been charged in connection with the theft of more than $2,000 worth of tequila from a liquor store in the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson Township, according to police.
Officers from the Jefferson Township Police Department responded to Chabons II Liquor Store on Espanong Road on Friday, January 10, at approximately 1:36 p.m., after receiving a report of a theft.
According to police, store employees reported that a man entered the store and asked for assistance purchasing several high-end bottles of tequila. The bottles were gathered and placed near the register while the customer continued speaking with the clerk.
The suspect then asked the clerk to retrieve a box of wine bottles from a rear storage area. While the clerk went to the back of the store, the suspect allegedly grabbed the tequila bottles from the counter and fled the store.
Authorities said the suspect left the area in a silver four-door sport utility vehicle, traveling in an unknown direction.
Detectives launched an investigation and issued an alert for the suspect and the vehicle. Through coordination with other law enforcement agencies, investigators later identified the suspect as Christopher Stamp, 36, of Paterson.
Stamp has been charged with third-degree theft. Police said the value of the stolen tequila bottles was approximately $2,100.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Jefferson Township Police Department at (973) 697-1300 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]
