A Brick Township man was arrested Thursday afternoon in connection with a reported shoplifting incident at a Lakewood retail store, police said.

According to authorities, officers responded at approximately 2:19 p.m. on Jan. 29 to Home Depot on Shorrock Street after receiving a report of a theft in progress. Loss Prevention personnel told police they observed a suspect place multiple items into a backpack and attempt to leave the store without paying.

Store staff confronted the suspect outside the store, recovered the merchandise, and escorted him to the Loss Prevention office while police were notified.

Following an investigation, Joshua Hart, 45, of Brick, was arrested and charged with shoplifting under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11b(1). Police said the value of the merchandise involved was approximately $400.

Hart was transported to Lakewood Police Department headquarters for processing and was later lodged in the Ocean County Jail at the request of store management. The investigation was handled by Officer Waldron.