Cops: Shoplifter nabbed after worker recognized him from Facebook

A shoplifting suspect was arrested in New Jersey Monday after a store employee recognized him from Facebook, police said.

Workers at the Stop and Shop in Jackson told police a man tried to leave the store with a cart full of merchandise but fled empty-handed after being spotted by loss prevention officers. The security team said the man was also suspected of shoplifting from the store in the past, according to investigators.

Responding officers reviewed security footage in an attempt to obtain a description of the suspect. As they remained on the scene, a store employee told them she believed the suspect was the brother of one of her Facebook friends, police said.

An officer then checked the website and found the profile to be a positive match, according to investigators. Police said a further check revealed there were also outstanding warrants for the man's arrest out of Freehold Township.

An officer encountered the suspect a short time later outside a nearby Shop Rite, police said. The suspect allegedly pushed the officer and fled into a wooded area. He was taken into custody after a brief pursuit.

The suspect, 29-year-old Jamie Barnes II, is charged with four counts of shoplifting, along with obstruction, hindering arrest and eluding law enforcement. He was imprisoned at the Ocean County Jail on $40,000 bail.

Police said further investigation revealed Barnes had previously stolen more than $3,500 worth of items from Stop and Shop, as well as $200 in merchandise from Shop Rite.