Fairfield (NJ): The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Melissa Horne (23), of East Orange, NJ and Gialani Olmedo (22), of Brooklyn, NY for shoplifting on July 3, 2023.
On that date at approximately 5:55 pm, Officer Patrick Reynolds was patrolling the Target parking lot when he was approached by their security. Officer Reynolds was advised that the store had a shoplifting in progress occurring. They advised that one suspect was detained in the store and the other had fled the scene in a black BMW.
Additional units were dispatched to assist Officer Reynolds. Officer Reynolds proceeded inside with security to where the detained suspect was while other officers canvassed the area for the BMW.
He located Olmedo in the security office. It is alleged that Olmedo and Horne filled a shopping cart with baby formula and various other items. They proceeded to the self-checkout, where they allegedly only scanned a few items in the cart. As they walked passed all other points of sale, security stopped them. Horne fled the scene at this time. The total value shoplifted was $351.47.
Olmedo was placed under arrest for shoplifting. During the investigation, it is alleged that Olmedo provided officers with a false name. The correct name was verified through a NY driver’s license located in her wallet.
Officer Reynolds transported Olmedo to police headquarters for processing. Horne was contacted by phone and turned herself in at police headquarters. Olmedo was charged with shoplifting, conspiracy and hindering apprehension. Horne was charged with shoplifting and conspiracy. Both suspects were released on their own recognizance and are scheduled to appear at the Essex County Courthouse in Newark, NJ on September 14, 2023 for an initial appearance.
(Charges are merely allegations until the defendants are proven guilty or plead guilty in a court of law).
Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)
