Police: Pet Product Shoplifting Leads to Heroin Arrests

Two Howell men were allegedly found to be in possession of heroin when police were searching them after they stole items from the East Windsor Walmart on Sept. 15. 

Police were called to the store at around 2 p.m. for a shoplifting in process. Michael Tarnowski, 22, was seen trying to hide the merchandise outside of the store, police said. An investigation revealed that Tarnowski and Dennis Griggs, 23, left Walmart with a lot of pet products without paying; the products were valued at $647.07.

Along with the stolen pet products, Tarnowski and Griggs were both found to be in possession of heroin. They were arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, and shoplifting. Tarnowski was also charged with tampering with evidence. They were transported to Mercer County Corrections in default of $25,000 bail, police said.