Police in Bayonne say a Hoboken woman desperate to escape from them following an alleged shoplifting incident shed her shirt and went topless.

The incident happened Tuesday around 11 p.m. at a ShopRite.

According to police, Lakia Pierce, 42, was seen attempting to leave the store without paying for a few items.

Police say a struggle ensued, and Pierce scratched the officer's arm several times and attempted to punch him.

When she tried to run, the officer grabbed her shirt and she pulled away, allowing her shirt to be pulled off so she could escape. Police say she ran from the store topless.

Police were able to arrest her a block away.

Pierce has been charged with robbery, resisting arrest and a drug possession charge.

The stolen merchandise was recovered.

The officer sustained several scratches to his arm, but refused medical attention.