Crime & Safety
Police: Man Stole Baby Formula to Buy Heroin
A Paterson resident is facing theft and shoplifting charges for allegedly attempting to steal $180 worth of baby formula at Food Basics in Glen Rock.
A 36-year-old man is facing charges in Glen Rock for stealing baby formula to buy heroin, said Tuesday.
According to Cpt. Jonathan Miller, Paterson resident Jose Estrada entered Food Basics on Lincoln Avenue just past 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, grabbed 12 bottles of Similac baby formula. The suspect reportedly fled the scene without the merchandise when confronted by store security.
Officer Lucas Doney tracked down a man fitting the suspect's description on Lincoln Avenue and arrested Estrada, Miller said.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Estrada told police he had planned on selling the baby formula – valued at $179.76 – in Paterson to later puchrase heroin, Miller said.
It's not uncommon to see thieves sell stolen baby formula to bodegas in Paterson to later purchase drugs, the captain remarked.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Estrada was charged with theft and shoplifting and released on his own recognizance. He faces an upcoming court date in Glen Rock on Sept. 4.
Have a question or news tip? Contact editor James Kleimann at James.Kleimann@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox every morning, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
