Four Arrested in Shoplifting Incident at Home Depot

On Saturday, October 31, 2015 at approximately 1:20 p.m. Absecon Police officers were called to The Home Depot, 421 Absecon Blvd., in response to a shoplifting incident in which the accused individuals were assaulting store employees in an attempt to get away. 

When officers arrived it was learned that four people had fled in a black Chevy Tahoe heading east on Route 30 toward Atlantic City. 

Patrol officers located the vehicle stopped in traffic at the base of the Route 30 drawbridge due to the bridge being opened for boat traffic. 

As officers approached the Tahoe they observed a male passenger exit the vehicle and flee on foot into the marsh near the bridge. The Tahoe then drove around the traffic-control gates and through a red traffic signal on the bridge just as the bridge was being closed. 

A short time later Patrolman Jeff Mazer located the Tahoe cutting through several side streets. A motor vehicle stop was conducted and three occupants in the vehicle were arrested; Pornthip "Annie" Charoensook, 35, of Galloway Township, Barry Hardaway, 28, of Atlantic City, and Kelly Whalen, 27, of Atlantic City. 

Atlantic City Police officers assisted with the traffic stop and also located the male subject who fled from the vehicle while stopped at the bridge. This male, Augustine Delvalle, 26, of Galloway Township was arrested. 

Augustine Delvalle was charged with robbery, shoplifting, conspiracy, eluding, and assault. His bail was set at $100,000.00 full and he was lodged in the county jail. 

Pornthip "Annie" Charoensook was charged with conspiracy to commit shoplifting and eluding. Her bail was set at $50,000.00 full and she was lodged in the county jail. 

Barry Hardaway and Kelly Whalen were each charged with conspiracy to commit shoplifting and released on summonses to appear in court. 

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information is asked to contact the Absecon Police Department at 609-641-0667. 

The incident is being investigated by Patrolman Joe Akeret and Det. Rick Huenke.