Police were called to the Walmart on Route 22 in Union before 11:00 a.m. Thursday.
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The caller told police that a man wearing a black mask and holding a black gun was in the toy department.
The building was evacuated and police say they found a package that normally contains a large black airsoft gun but was missing.
The toy was located, and police said they believe the caller saw the shoplifting in process.
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The man was taken into custody later Thursday evening.
He was identified as 20-year-old Joshua Phillips, of Newark, and is charged with creating a false public alarm, possession of weapon and shoplifting.
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