NJ Clerk Points Fake Gun at Suspected Shoplifter, Forces Him to Strip Naked

A New Jersey store clerk was arrested this week after he attempted to detain a suspected shoplifter in his store by pointing a fake gun at him and forcing him to strip naked.

Amit Saraswat was working Monday night at a Sunoco Gas Station in Salem, New Jersey when a customer who he suspected of shoplifting from his store before, entered. Surveillance video showed Saraswat pointing the gun at the suspected shoplifter and forcing him to strip naked in the store. The man left the store, returning later to get his clothes back after realizing that the gun the clerk pointed at him had been fake.

Salem police Chief John A. Pelura III told NBC News an investigation revealed the gun Saraswat used was actually an airsoft-style gun.

The incident was reported to police, who arrested Saraswat on a series of charges including: aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm for unlawful purposes, and terroristic threats

Saraswat was released on a summons on Wednesday.

The suspected shoplifter was not charged with anything, however, police have not said whether he had stolen anything from the store.