Lakewood police arrested a Lakewood man and recovered thousands of dollars in stolen jewelry following a swift, coordinated investigation that unfolded after a purse fell from a carriage on Clifton Avenue earlier this week, TLS has learned.
The incident began when a purse containing valuable jewelry fell out of a carriage along Clifton Avenue.
A local Good Samaritan found the purse and contacted the owner to arrange its return. During a brief gap before the purse could be reunited with its owner, a thief located the purse, and removed approximately $8,000 worth of jewelry, and fled.
Lakewood Police officers responded to a report of the missing jewelry, with the initial investigation handled by Officer Amoroso, who documented the incident and initiated follow-up actions. Detectives continued the investigation the following day, canvassing the area for surveillance cameras, and checking local businesses.
As part of the investigation, detectives visited a local jewelry shop to speak with staff. While officers were inside the store, the suspect allegedly entered and attempted to sell the stolen jewelry—unaware that police were actively investigating at the location.
The store owner recognized the jewelry and contacted the victim to alert him that someone was attempting to sell his jewelry.
Detectives immediately intervened and took the suspect into custody inside the store.
Police identified the suspect as Melvin Torres, 33, of Lakewood, who was arrested by Detectives Eric Stefanelli and Austin Letts.
“All stolen property was recovered and returned to the victim,” police said.
Torres has been charged with theft and fencing, and investigators also determined that he had an active warrant for his arrest at the time he was taken into custody. Authorities noted that there was no fraudulent use of financial accounts reported in connection with the incident.
“The rapid coordination between patrol officers, detectives, and local business was amazing to witness,” the victim told TLS, calling the outcome an example of effective investigative work by the Lakewood Police Department.
Rabbi Avigdor Miller says that the words “Good Samaritan” are an oxymoron! He says that the Samaritans were terrible people!! I dont know history… Im just repeating what Rabbi Miller said…
He was referring to the ancient Samaritans who were most certainly reshaim. Therefore the appelation of “Good” in the modern idiom is an oxymoron.
The term Good Samaritan is from the parable told by Jesus of an injured and robbed man left by the side of the road who was ignored by a priest and a Levite. It was a Samaritan, a despised group, who stopped and cared for the victim. It is a story to show compassion to help others regardless of who they are.
The Samaritans are still around. As far as I’m concerned they don’t bother anyone. They believe the Torah was given on Har Grezim. You’ve got to bring some evidence that they were terrible.
I think it’s vital to point out the incredible hashgacha prutis, that at the moment the police were investigating, the culprit walked into the store to sell the stolen goods.
That’s a miracle to say the least!!!!
Very strange story. Someone found a bag, contacted the owner and in the interim left it somewhere so a thief can get to it??