MAYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

SHOPLIFTERS KEEP MAYWOOD PD BUSY IN FEBRUARY

On the morning of February 29, 2024, at 10:41 a.m., the Maywood Police Department received a report of a shoplifting in progress at the Ulta Beauty supply store in the Bergen Town Center. Ulta Beauty staff provided a description of the actor who fled out of the side emergency exit with a shopping basket containing stolen fragrances.

P.O. Alana Luna arrived on scene and spotted the suspect, later identified as Brendan H. Hunt, 46, of Lyndhurst, running south on Edel Avenue. P.O. Luna and Sgt. Peter Donatello chased the suspect on foot into the rear yard of an Edel Avenue residence. Mr. Hunt was observed jumping multiple fences and entering an unoccupied Grant Avenue home where he barricaded himself in the basement. Sgt. Gregory Mulawka, D/Sgt. William Phayre, and P.O. Matthew DellaBella arrived on scene and a perimeter was established around the house. Officers made entry into the home and subsequently apprehended Mr. Hunt.

Mr. Hunt was charged with Burglary, Shoplifting, and Resisting Arrest by Flight. He was lodged at the Bergen County Jail pending a court appearance.

On February 28, 2024, the Maywood Police Department was notified of a shoplifting in progress at Ulta Beauty. Officers arrived on scene and apprehended the suspect, identified as Ramy Bello, 46, of Rochelle Park, as she exited the store with $235.00 in stolen cosmetics. Ms. Ramos was also a suspect in two previous shopliftings that occurred at Ulta Beauty on February 18 and February 19. She was charged with three counts of Shoplifting (total amount of proceeds $1,537.00) and was released pending her future court appearance.

On February 20, P.O. Andrew Mulligan and P.O. John Burns were on patrol in the area around the Bergen Town Center when they conducted a motor vehicle stop for fictitious license plates. After approaching the vehicle, they observed it to be filled with numerous handbags and clothing with the price tags still on them. Further investigation revealed that the occupants had shoplifted the items from nearby T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores. The driver and passenger were arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property. They were identified as:

Andi Manuel Pena-Ponce, 36, of Paterson

Ed Alonso Flores-Herrera, 31, of Paterson

Additionally, Detective Brian Rubio and Detective Benjamin Singer charged the following individuals after investigating numerous reported shopliftings at Ulta Beauty in the past month.

William Obergon, 42, of Woodside, NY

Fernando Fernandez, 34, of New York, NY

Quesara Bianchini, 36, of New York

Luciana Bianchini, 56, of New York

Jose Gregorio, 30, of New York, NY

Anibel Trejo, 32, of New York, NY

Laura Martinez, 51, of New York, NY

These charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.