LINDEN -- An Elizabeth man tried to steal a 50-inch television from Wal-Mart with his five-year-old son along with him, police say.

Alleon D. Gayles, 44, tried to leave the West Edgar Road store with the television worth $548, as well as scissors and a battery charger on Nov. 11, Capt. James Sarnicki said.

Officers responded to the store around 1 p.m. after they got a report of a shoplifter in custody, Sarnicki said.

Wal-Mart employees told the officers they saw Gayles put the television in a shopping cart and then rip a scissor from its packaging to cut the alarm sensor on the television, Sarnicki said.

He said the employees told the officers that Gayles then showed a week-old receipt at the store's exit before he tried to leave.

Sarnicki said the employee at the exit noticed the date on the receipt and contacted security. Gayles and his son were then taken into custody, Sarnicki said.

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Gayles told the Wal-Mart employees he had "made a big mistake," according to Sarnicki.

The stolen merchandise totaled $561.94, Sarnicki said.

Sarnicki said Gayles was arrested and charged with third-degree shoplifting. He said Gayles was released on a summons and has a court date later this month.

The state Department of Children and Families was asked to evaluate the family situation and ensure the five-year-old's welfare, Sarnicki said.

Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati. Find NJ.com on Facebook.