Union Police Arrest Hillside Man During Burglary of Rt. 22 Smoke Shop

UNION, NJ – Union police foiled a burglar’s plan as he was confronted in mid-theft inside a business on Route 22 early this morning.

At just after 5:00 Thursday morning, Union officers responded to the Kush Smoke Shop at 1767 Rt. 22 West.  The business’ front door was shattered and police observed a person in the store running to the rear of the premises.  Officers ordered the man to walk toward them and exit the store, and the man complied, police say. He was arrested and handcuffed.

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Arrested at the scene was Hasan Williams-Chapman, 38, from Hillside.  He was charged with burglary, theft, and criminal mischief.  He is being held in the Union Police Department until he can be sent to the Union County Jail.

Police say a search revealed Williams-Chapman had money in his pockets that was stolen from the business.  He also was in the process of loading up a large garbage bag with $1,700 worth of vapes and other items.  According to police, Williams-Chapman attempted to use a large rock on several different windows until he was finally able to break the glass and enter the business.  He also damaged the cash register.

The same business was broken into twice in August, according to police, and Williams-Chapman matches the description of that suspect.  Detectives were able to charge him for one of those crimes and are working to gather evidence on the second burglary.  Detectives also charged him with a burglary into the Burger King on Rt. 22 on August 19. Williams-Chapman also matches the description of a burglary suspect in both Hillside and Springfield for similar burglaries along the Rt. 22 corridor.  Detectives are sharing information with the neighboring police departments as they investigate him for those crimes.

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