NJ Whole Foods Store Fires Security Firm That Detained 70-Year-Old Woman

VAUXHALL, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Representatives from a Whole Foods store in New Jersey say they have fired the security company responsible for detaining a 70-year-old woman and banning her from any of the supermarket chain's tri-state area locations after she accidentally left without paying for some cheese.

Margaret Dooley, of Maplewood, bought about $60 worth of items at the Millburn-Union Whole Foods on Oct. 4, but she forgot to ring up the cheese hiding underneath her bag in the cart.

Officials say loss prevention agents brought Dooley to the back of the store, where she was questioned, photographed and eventually banned.

Spokesman Michael Sinatra said the firm previously contracted at the location has been "removed and replaced."

It's unclear what security company was the prior contract holder.

Sinatra said attempts to reach Dooley haven't been returned.

Dooley's daughter posted about the incident on Facebook, and it soon spread through social media. Online users bombarded the store's Facebook page.

"This policy on treating everyone like a criminal when an honest mistake happened needs some re evaluation by management," one woman wrote.

"Unless there is an incredible apology, both personally and publicly on this FB page, including to each person who has written a comment about this, my money and I will not be in your store again," another commenter said.

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