Police: Shoplifter Stole $800 Worth of Merchandise Before Crashing Car

Police have released more information on last week’s chase of an alleged shoplifter that ended with a car crash on Bloomfield Ave.

On Feb. 22, Bloomfield Police Officer Georgio Antinori alerted other officers that he was trying to prevent a man from reportedly fleeing The Home Depot on 60 Orange St. with stolen merchandise valued at over $800, according to a police report released this week.

The man, Mickie Montalvo, 42, of Newark, entered a car parked on the lot and sped off, allegedly striking but not injuring Officer Antinori, who was on foot, police said. 

Shortly thereafter, police say that Officer Luca Piscitelli spotted Montalvo on a nearby street. When Montalvo realized that Officer Piscitelli was trying to stop him, he reportedly fled in his vehicle. Police say his escape was cut short when he struck another vehicle near the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Grove Street, where he was caught and placed under arrest. 

Montalvo and an occupant from the second vehicle involved in the accident were transported to local area hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Police say Montalvo was charged with robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, eluding, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and multiple motor vehicle summonses.

Judge Paparazzo set bail at $150,000 with a court date pending.