A 21-year-old Hopatcong resident was arrested on Saturday after allegedly stealing the tip jar from E&T Deli, Hopatcong Police said.

Jessica Gonzalez is accused of taking the $38.72 in the tip jar after making a purchase at about 8:40 p.m. Saturday night, according to a report released by Lt. Thomas Kmetz.

Kmetz said after Gonzalez made her purchase, she went outside and saw the owner went into the back room. She then entered the store again, and took the tip jar from the counter, Kmetz said.

Kmetz said the owner ran outside once he heard someone come in and saw the jar was missing.

The owner was able to get Gonzalez's license plate as she was driving away, Kmetz said. Kmetz said the officers also watched surveillance video of Gonzalez taking the tip jar.

The plate led police to Gonzalez's apartment, where she was arrested and taken to headquarters, Kmetz said.

Gonzalez gave the tip jar back to the police when they arrived at her apartment, according to Kmetz.

Gonzalez was processed, charged with theft and later released, Kmetz said.