Dispute over sandwich and e-cigarettes escalates in Montclair: Police

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Two altercations led to police being called out in Montclair last week after they turned violent, authorities said Tuesday.

Montclair Police released the following details of each incident, which reportedly involved price gouging on a sandwich and unwanted “vaping” at a restaurant.

Dispute over sandwich

An employee at the Mission Mart on Mission Street reported that a man entered the store and ordered a sandwich on August 6. Here’s what happened next, according to police:

“A verbal argument ensued between the male and the employee over the price of the sandwich. The male suspect then began placing numerous items in his pockets and attempted to leave the store without paying. The employee attempted to prevent the male from leaving, at which point the male struck him multiple times in the head with fists and a chair. The employee was treated by Montclair EMS. The suspect fled.”

The suspect was described as a man wearing a white T-shirt and red shorts, police said.

Dispute over vaping

On August 10, another violent dispute occurred on Bloomfield Avenue. According to police, the following happened:

“Officers responded to a report of a large physical altercation outside of Porta. Witnesses reported that the altercation began after a group of patrons were asked to leave the restaurant because they were caught ‘vaping’ at the table. Outside, a verbal argument began between the group that was asked to leave the restaurant and another group of patrons. The argument eventually turned physical. One person was found unconscious with cuts to the head. They were transported to Saint Joseph’s Medical Center by Montclair EMS. Another person involved in the altercation was later found at Hudson Regional Medical Center in Secaucus.”

This incident is currently being investigated, police said on Tuesday.

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