CVS Shoplifting Bodycam footage captures the chaotic moment a shoplifting suspect in Little Silver, New Jersey, tried to use a humiliating excuse to avoid arrest, only to be caught in a web of verifiable lies.
The incident began when police responded to a report of theft at a local pharmacy. What followed was a masterclass in failed deception, as the suspect, Abi Delmira Foster, claimed she was simply “taking a sh*t” when the crime occurred. However, police body cameras and store surveillance quickly painted a very different picture.
Table of Contents
Watch: CVS Shoplifting Bodycam Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 01:29:11 where the situation escalates. The officer confirms she was never in the bathroom and was actually at the self-checkout pretending to pay.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The situation started in the parking lot of a CVS Pharmacy at 510 Prospect Avenue in Little Silver, NJ. Patrolman Christopher Gilmore approached a white 2022 Genesis sedan. Inside was Abi Foster, who immediately became defensive.
Foster told the officer she had just come from using the bathroom inside the store. She claimed, “I was just taking a sh*t,” and insisted she had no idea what her companion was doing. She adamantly denied stealing anything. She told the officer, “I just got here, so I’m just here to say you’re said I have no idea”.
The officer was skeptical. A store manager had already called the police, identifying Foster and another woman as shoplifters. The manager reported watching them “dump all this in the car”. Foster tried to distance herself from the white car, claiming she took an Uber to the location.
The lies began to crumble rapidly. The officer pointed out that the car was registered in New York, while Foster had a Maryland license and lived in North Carolina. Foster then claimed the other woman was her sister, but she couldn’t provide a straight answer about her name.
The turning point came when the officer reviewed the store’s surveillance footage. The video proved Foster was never in the bathroom at the time she claimed. Instead, the camera captured her at the self-checkout register. She was seen pretending to pay for items but actually stealing Dove soap and Sour Patch Kids.
Foster continued to argue, but the evidence was overwhelming. The officer told her, “You went up to the self-checkout and pretended to pay because they have it logged, and you didn’t pay for it”. The officer also noted a receipt Foster had was found on the floor and dated from hours prior, proving she hadn’t made a purchase.
The Arrest: Charges Against Abi Foster
Foster was arrested on the scene. While the theft items were low value—specifically soap and candy—her legal troubles were much deeper. A background check revealed she was a wanted person with multiple warrants across New Jersey.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| Shoplifting | Taking merchandise from a store without paying. | Fines, probation, or jail time depending on value. |
| Contempt of Court | Disobeying a court order, likely by failing to appear for previous dates. | Fines and potential jail time (up to 6 months in NJ). |
Did you know? You can check arrest records for anyone in your neighborhood instantly. [Search Public Records Here]
Legal Analysis: Was the CVS Shoplifting Bodycam Arrest Justified?
Fourth Amendment Check: The initial detention of Abi Foster was legally sound. The officer had Reasonable Suspicion based on a direct report from the store manager who witnessed the theft. Under Terry v. Ohio, police can detain a person briefly to investigate if they have a reasonable belief that criminal activity is afoot. The manager’s specific description of the suspects and the vehicle provided this justification.
Police Protocol: Officer Gilmore followed standard investigation protocols. He did not immediately arrest Foster based solely on the manager’s word. Instead, he gathered Probable Cause by verifying the story with objective evidence: the surveillance video.
- The suspect provided an alibi (the bathroom).
- The officer checked the alibi against video evidence.
- The alibi was proven false.
- The video showed the suspect committing the act (pretending to scan items).
Once the theft was confirmed via video, the officer had probable cause to arrest Foster for shoplifting. The subsequent search of her person was a lawful Search Incident to Arrest.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
General (generic) FAQs related to shoplifting laws and police procedures in the US
Is it considered shoplifting if I haven’t left the store yet?
Yes, in many US states, you do not actually have to leave the store to be charged with shoplifting. If you conceal an item (put it in a pocket or bag) or alter a price tag with the “intent” to steal, that is often enough evidence for a charge. This is commonly referred to as “concealment of merchandise.”
Can police search my car if I am stopped for shoplifting?
Generally, police need a warrant or your consent to search your vehicle. However, under the “Probable Cause” doctrine, if officers see stolen goods in plain view through the window, or if they have strong evidence (like witness testimony or video) suggesting the vehicle contains evidence of the crime they are currently investigating, they may be able to search it without a warrant or your permission.
What is “Shopkeeper’s Privilege”?
Shopkeeper’s Privilege is a law in many states that allows store employees or security guards to detain a suspected shoplifter on the premises for a reasonable amount of time. They can hold you until police arrive if they have a probable cause to believe theft occurred. However, they generally cannot use excessive force or hold you for an unreasonable duration.
Do police always check security cameras before making an arrest?
Not always, but it is standard practice in investigations where the suspect denies the crime. If a store manager signs a complaint, police can arrest based on that witness statement alone. However, reviewing surveillance footage (CCTV) on the scene helps officers confirm the details and establishes stronger probable cause to protect the arrest from legal challenges later.
What happens if I have an out-of-state warrant during a routine stop?
If police stop you for a minor infraction (like a traffic stop or petty theft) and run your ID, they will see active warrants from other jurisdictions. If the warrant is “extraditable” (meaning the other agency wants you back), you will be arrested and held until that agency picks you up. If it is a non-extraditable or minor warrant, officers may simply advise you to take care of it, though this varies strictly by department policy.
Conclusion & Current Status
Abi Foster was processed at the Little Silver Police Department. The CVS Shoplifting Bodycam investigation revealed she was not just a petty thief but a fugitive.
Police records indicate she had active warrants from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Middletown, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Wayne Township, Edison Township, and East Orange. Due to the severity and number of these out-of-town warrants, she was transferred to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) by the Sheriff’s Office.
Download Police Report click here.
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
Don’t Rely on Their Word Alone In this case, conflicting stories led to an arrest. The only way to prove your innocence in a traffic stop is with your own 4K evidence. Protect yourself this holiday season. 🎄 Click Here
What about the original girl in the white car? She said her name is Amber (not Abbie). There was a large load of things in the back of that car. We never did find out who she was and if the car got impounded. What was the conclusion of her part in this whole story? Was she arrested? It’s like we only got half of the story….a major part of this story was talking to the girl driving that car, not the who supposedly took an Uber to the location. It would be nice to know the whole story. Thank you.