Shoplifting suspect swims across Passaic River into waiting arms of Fair Lawn police

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: A Fair Lawn shoplifting suspect who was chased into Paterson this morning jumped into the Passaic River, swam across — and found Fair Lawn police waiting on the other side.

Photo Credit: *Cliffview Pilot File Photo*

Jerry DeMarco

07/26/2013 3:43 p.m.

Lt. Derek Bastinck and Officer Sean Nagle joined a security officer in chasing 42-year-old Jose Roldan of Paterson after getting the call just after 8:30 from the Shop Rite on River Road.

Other officers joined in as Roldan crossed the Maple Avenue bridge, then ran south in the northbound lanes of Route 20, Detective Sgt. Brian Metzler said.

Roldan hopped into the river and came out behind Tribal Iron, where officers were waiting, Metzler said.

Police charged Roldan with shoplifting and eluding. He was being processed at headquarters.

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