6abc viewer helps police nab $18,000 jewelry suspect

WPVI
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Pictured: James E. Copeland
WPVI

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities say an Action News viewer helped them identify the suspect wanted for stealing $18,000 worth of jewelry from a store in Lambertville, New Jersey.



The theft happened around 5:00 p.m. on March 18th at the Peoples Antique Emporium, home to more than 50 antique dealers.



Police say 61-year-old James Copeland entered the store and got away with $18,000 worth of jewelry.



Surveillance video from the store was aired on Action News back in March. Authorities say a viewer saw the video, recognized Copeland and identified him to police.



Copeland, who resides in Washington D.C., was arrested and extradited back to New Jersey.



"I would like to thank the public for coming forward and helping to identify the suspect wanted in connection with this crime. Cooperation from the public is paramount in protecting our community and bringing those to justice that threaten it," said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III.



Copeland faces shoplifting charges and remains in custody.

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