HALEDON, NJ — Police arrested a Paterson man in connection with a package theft and multiple shoplifting incidents following a coordinated investigation.
The Haledon Police Department received a report of a package theft at approximately 3:51 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2026, from a residence on Post Street.
The caller reported that a white male with a goatee, wearing a black beanie hat, black jacket, black pants and white sneakers, removed delivered packages from the property.
Officer Kris Duci responded and obtained a description of the suspect.
Lieutenant Edar Merza gathered additional information and reviewed surveillance footage from the victim’s exterior surveillance system.
Detective/Corporal April Latona identified the suspect as Michael Benedek, 27, of Paterson, through investigative efforts.
Benedek was also identified as the suspect in a shoplifting incident at Haledon Walgreens on Jan. 28, 2026.
On Feb. 9, 2026, officers responded to Haledon Walgreens for a reported shoplifting in progress.
Dispatch advised that the suspect was described as a white male wearing a ski mask and all black clothing.
Detective/Sergeant Semir Celoski located a male matching the description hiding behind a residence on Kossuth Street.
The individual was identified as Benedek and placed under arrest without incident.
A search of his backpack revealed four Colgate Max Toothpaste, three Colgate Stain Toothpaste and three Colgate Triple Toothpaste.
The stolen merchandise, totaling $58.54, was returned to Haledon Walgreens.
Benedek was transported to Haledon Police Headquarters, where he was advised of his Miranda Rights and interviewed by Detective/Lieutenant Christian Clavo and Detective/Corporal Latona.
During the interview, Benedek confessed to the Feb. 3, 2026, package theft on Post Street and to two separate shoplifting incidents at Haledon Walgreens.
Benedek was charged with theft and shoplifting offenses.
He was also found to have an active warrant from the Borough of Elmwood Park for a theft-related offense in the amount of $1,000.
Following processing, Benedek was turned over to the custody of the Elmwood Park Police Department.
