Police: Lord & Taylor Shoplifter Tosses Jewels Into Getaway Car

An alleged shoplifter at Lord & Taylor tossed a bag filled with more than $5,500 in jewelery into a waiting getaway car before being arrested by Wayne police Sunday. But the jewelry was later recovered, police said.

Officers Enzo Passano and Bruce Conklin were dispatched to the department store at Willowbrook Mall shortly before noon on a reported shoplifting and assault, Capt. James Clarke said.

Lord & Taylor loss prevention officers said they observed Lauren Shermister, 41, of Succasunna, conceal more than $5,500 worth of earrings in her purse and leave the store, Clarke said.

The Lord & Taylor officers identified themselves to Shermister, who, Clarke said, threw her purse into a vehicle waiting for her outside the store.

Clarke said that the driver then drove away.

Shermister punched one of the loss prevention officers in the face prior to being handcuffed, Clarke said.

Clarke said Shermister was escorted back into the store where she was allowed to call the driver, who returned to the mall and was met by Wayne police officers.

He was identified as Michael Donatoni, 23, of Rockaway, Clarke said.

Police discovered that Donatoni’s license was suspended and he also had a warrant out for his arrest from Morristown, so he was taken into custody, Clarke said.

Ten glassine bags containing heroin and marked “Best Buy” were discovered in Shermister’s purse, Clarke said.

Shermister was charged with shoplifting, robbery, and possession of heroin, Clarke said.

Her bail was set at $50,000.