A North Carolina man who allegedly tried to run off with $20,000 worth of jewelry from store at a New Jersey mall was captured by two police officers who happened to be eating lunch in the building.

Police say 19-year-old Shawn Nelson, of Rocky Mount, was trying on jewelry at the Newport Centre mall in Jersey City on Tuesday when he ran off with chains still around his neck.

Sgt. Hector Martinez and officer James Herkenham of the Port Authority police were in the mall during a break from a training session. They heard the commotion and took off after Nelson, who was arrested before he got out of the building.

Nelson is charged with shoplifting, drug possession and resisting arrest.

(AP)