A confrontation in the express checkout lane at the ShopRite in Howell last week turned into a physical fight between two women, who were issues summonses after police had to be called, police told NJ Advance Media Tuesday.

The skirmish broke out at 11:49 a.m. Thursday when a 43-year-old Brick woman was challenged by a 45-year-old Howell woman at the ShopRite on Route 9 because she brought too many items to the express checkout, Howell police said in a statement. After the two exchanged words, they got into a fight that witnesses in a local Facebook group said included punches to the head, biting, spitting and pulling hair.

The Brick woman also scratched and bit on the leg a 43-year-old Freehold Township woman who tried to intervene in the fracas, according to police.

One witness said the woman who had too many items had three separate orders, with the total exceeding the maximum number permitted in the express lane.

Store employees broke up the scrap before officers arrived. Police charged the Brick woman with simple assault and disorderly conduct. The Howell woman was charged with disorderly conduct.

Both were released with summonses to appear in municipal court.

All three women were treated at the store for minor injuries.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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