The jar was set out at the Alkazar Bakery in Elizabeth. Money was being collected to help the family of 16-year-old Kevin Blanco. He's battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, creating a mountain of bills.
Surveillance cameras captured video of the woman - later identified as a regular customer at the bakery - putting the donation jar inside her coat and briskly walking out of the restaurant. Police said she got rid of the jar in a nearby doorway and made her way across the street.
Watch the video here:
The bakery reported about $350 was stolen from the donation jar.
Thanks to the video, authorities were able to identify and arrest a suspect, 27-year-old Jessica Lopez. Police said she lives in the neighborhood and had other warrants out for her arrest.
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Deputy Chief John Brennan with the Elizabeth Police Department said Elizabeth Police Union PBA Local #4 will be donating $500 to make up for the stolen money, plus a little extra.
Lopez has been charged with theft.