Middlesex County man charged with robbery
Timothy Lynch, 37 (Photo: Paramus Police Department)
Timothy Lynch faces charges of robbery and impersonating a police officer in connection with the incident Saturday.
A guard at the Abercrombie & Fitch store detained Lynch for shoplifting a $54 bottle of cologne from the shop, according to Deputy Chief Robert Guidetti of the Paramus police.
Off-duty N.J. cop attacked, gun stolen
As Lynch was being questioned by store security, he flashed a "Pennsylvania police badge" and claimed "he could not get in trouble for something like this," Guidetti said in a statement.
Lynch asked to use the bathroom before he attacked the security officer who was escorting him and escaped through an emergency exit to the mall parking lot, Guidetti added.
Store security and police officers eventually captured Lynch as he tried to cross Route 4, the deputy chief said.
Records show Lynch was released from the Bergen County Jail after bail was set at $500.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.