Mall security and police in Millburn, New Jersey, had a shoplifting case wrapped up almost instantly after a quick-thinking manager spotted three thieves on CCTV. The dramatic confrontation, later reviewed in shocking bodycam footage, led to two arrests and the discovery of a warrant for one of the suspects. The theft case involved multiple stores, highlighting the quick action required in US crime news incidents.
Table of Contents
What Happened Before Police Arrived
The incident occurred on March 13, 2023, between 18:27 and 18:45 at the Burberry store, located at 1200 Route 124 in Short Hills, NJ.
The initial offense was classified as Theft, Over $200 / Shoplifting.
- Three individuals—two females and one male—entered Burberry around 18:42 hours.
- The group proceeded toward the rear of the store.
- One female, later identified as Diamond Burgan (age 33), was seen opening a stock drawer and removing a purse.
- Burgan, dressed in a tan jacket with maroon scrubs, concealed the stolen purse under her jacket.
- The three suspects exited Burberry without paying, passing all points of sale.
- The store manager, Audrey Alexandre, reviewed the CCTV footage and notified Mall Security.
- Mall Security Officer Davis then saw the group entering the nearby Louis Vuitton store.
Police Arrival & Key Bodycam Moments
Officer Matos responded to Burberry after receiving the theft report. After confirming the crime via CCTV, he proceeded to Louis Vuitton.
The police arrest of the main suspect was swift:
- Diamond Burgan Apprehended:
- Officer Kelly had already stopped Burgan outside Louis Vuitton. Officer Matos identified the stolen purse still in her hand.
- Arrest and Confession: Burgan was placed under arrest for shoplifting. She also admitted to stealing several perfume bottles from Sephora earlier, which was later confirmed by CCTV.
- Second Suspect Arrested: The Louis Vuitton manager confirmed Burgan had concealed a purse from their store too. Officer Ford arrested the male companion, Jonathan Williams (age 47).
- Vehicle Search: Keys found on Williams led to a consent vehicle search, which did not reveal additional stolen items.
- Evidence Collection: Officer Seebohm collected witness statements and receipts from all three stores.
Charges & Legal Explanation
The two suspects were charged with multiple offenses related to the theft case.
| Suspect | Charge | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond Burgan | Three counts of 2C:20-11B(2) | New Jersey shoplifting statute for purposely concealing unpurchased merchandise. She was charged for thefts at Burberry, Sephora, and Louis Vuitton. |
| One count of 2C:20-11F | Related to a prior warrant offense. | |
| Jonathan Williams | One count of 2C:20-7A | New Jersey statute for Receiving Stolen Property. Applicable when an accomplice assists in the possession or disposal of stolen goods. |
Expert Opinion Section
The officers’ actions were correct and justified.
- Justification: They confirmed the crime via CCTV before making the arrest. The initial stop was based on timely information from Mall Security.
- Proper Procedure: The consent vehicle search, transport checks, and warrant checks were all proper police protocol.
- Situation Handling: Officers recovered stolen property quickly and arrested both suspects without conflict.
Final Outcome / What Happened in the End
- Jonathan Williams was released on his own recognizance with a scheduled court date (05/04/23 at 9:00am).
- Diamond Burgan was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility on a warrant. Her record revealed an active NCIC warrant out of Camden and two separate warrants from Lawrence Township and Cherry Hill. A pick-up request on the Camden warrant was refused by the county.
The report marked the case as Cleared by Arrest. No medical attention was required for either suspect.
Bodycam Video Link Section
👉 Watch the full shocking bodycam footage