Man Stole TV From Father, Sold It, Cops Say

A Hopatcong man stole a television worth $405 from his father in order to sell it to someone else,  said.

Police said they have issued an active summons complaint for Charles Baum, 20, who never came to headquarters and may be in New York, according to his father. Officers tried to get a warrant for Baum's arrest, but were denied, police said.

According to police, Baum sold a television to a 22-year-old Hopatcong man for $180. Baum allegedly later asked for the TV back, but did not have the money to give the resident in return. According to police, when Baum was told no and then left, the man who purchased the TV thought it was suspicious and called police.

According to police, Baum's father called authorities stating that his son stole a TV from his house. A receipt provided by his father showed the same serial number as the one Baum allegedly sold, police said. 

Police said Baum agreed to come into headquarters when he was called, but he never came. His father said his son had a bus ticket to New York, where his mother lives, according to police.