LINDEN, NJ — A Newark woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly attacking two store employees with a box cutter during a shoplifting incident.
Officers responded to a store in the 200 block of North Wood Avenue just before 7 p.m. on May 13, 2026, on reports of a fight.
According to police, Clarissa Pegram, 31, of Newark, attempted to leave the store with unpaid merchandise following a dispute with employees.
A 70-year-old female employee followed Pegram outside and recovered the items.
Pegram then allegedly threw the woman to the ground and kicked her.
A 75-year-old male employee intervened and was punched repeatedly until he fell to the ground, police said.
The employees attempted to retreat inside the store, but Pegram followed them.
She forced her way inside and threatened to kill them while swinging a box cutter at them, cutting one employee, according to police.
All parties suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Pegram is charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and related weapons offenses.
She was remanded to Essex County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court.
