PARSIPPANY — Officers responded to the Super Foodtown, 435 North Beverwyck Road, for a reported shoplifting at approximately 6:00 p.m. on January 20. Upon arrival of responding officers, they found the suspect, Richard Johnsen, 61, Denville, detained by employees.
After a brief investigation it was determined that while exiting the store, Mr. Johnsen was observed by a witness exit without paying for multiple items in his shopping cart and advised store employees.
When employees attempted to stop Mr. Johnsen in the parking lot he entered a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and began to back up from the parking spot, even though two other employees were standing behind the vehicle. As he backed up he struck two male employees causing them to fall to the ground, but they were not injured. Mr. Johnsen was then removed from his vehicle by the employees and held until Officers arrived.
Mr. Johnsen was then placed under arrest and transported to Morristown Medical Center for a medical assessment. Once cleared he was transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters and processed.
While at Police Headquarters he was charged on a Summons with the following: Shoplifting and Criminal Mischief Mr. Johnsen was released on his own recognizance pending his court appearance.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
