Police in Ramsey NJ recently arrested a man who allegedly shoplifted purses from a local department store.

Remarkably, the suspect was caught after he allegedly fled the store on foot and then got hit by a vehicle.

According to authorities, the suspect snatched 8 purses from the TJ Maxx store in Ramsey, NJ. The purses reportedly had a total retail value in excess of $1,200.

After allegedly stealing the purses, the suspect made his way out of the store and ran toward Route 17. Witnesses later told investigators that they saw the suspect run onto the highway ramp headed to North Franklin Turnpike. Shortly after getting on the ramp, the suspect was hit by a passing car.

Police subsequently apprehended the suspect and arrested him. The suspect, a 39-year-old man from Bound Brook, got medical treatment for minor injuries sustained in the accident.

The suspect was later charged with shoplifting. If he is ultimately convicted on the shoplifting charges, he would be subject to stiff penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, the theft of more than $500 worth of retail goods is classified as a third degree criminal offense. A conviction on third degree shoplifting charges could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in NJ State Prison.

Sometime after the suspect was arrested and charged, he secured his release from police custody. He will be required to appear in court at a later date to address the theft charges.

For additional information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Shoplifter Hit by Car After Fleeing Store, Police Say.”