Macarthur Lee, 62, whose last known address was 24 Prospect Ave. in Hackensack was arrested by Passaic County Sheriff’s officers Nov. 17 after being stopped on 12th Avenue near Auburn Street in Paterson. Teaneck Police had distributed the surveillance photo to local newspapers and had received several anonymous phone calls identifying Lee and providing the information that he had been seen in the Auburn Street area. Teaneck Police then transmitted the photos to Paterson City detectives and the Passaic County Sheriff’s office.

Lee gave his brother’s name when first questioned by sheriff’s officers, Teaneck Detective Sergeant Thomas Sullivan said, but was otherwise cooperative.

On Oct. 19 at approximately 2:30 p.m. the manager of the CVS observed Lee concealing a large number of toothbrushes under his jacket. When the manager confronted Lee, he allegedly opened his jacket and drew out a knife, which he brandished while taking a step toward the manager. Lee then walked out the front door.

Stolen drug store items and cosmetics are often sold at half price or less to bodegas and convenience stores in cities in Paterson and New York City, Sullivan said.

In addition to the armed robbery charge, Lee was charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. He was arraigned before Judge Andrew Young of Teaneck at which time he complained of feeling ill and was brought to Holy Name Hospital.

He has since been remanded to Bergen County Jail in lieu of $40,000 bail with no 10 percent option.