NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A shoplifter tried to stab a security guard with a hypodermic needle as the two men scuffled at a Duane Reade in Manhattan, police said Wednesday.
The NYPD released video showing the altercation at the Duane Reade at E. 34th Street and Third Avenue in Murray Hill last Saturday morning.
Police said the man tried to leave the store with a Fresh Direct bag full of Gatorade and other items around 10:15 a.m. when the 64-year-old guard intervened.
Video shows the guard grabbing the bag from the man during a struggle, sending the stolen items crashing to the floor.
The man returns a short time later holding a syringe in his right hand as he approaches the guard, video shows.
The man swings the needle at the guard, who swats the man’s hand away.
The suspect eventually fled the store empty-handed, police said.
The guard suffered pain to his left hand and refused medical attention.
Brazen shoplifting has become an issue at stores like Duane Reade in Manhattan. In the first 10 weeks of 2022, petit larceny was up 33%, robbery was up 45% and grand larceny was up 65% compared to 2021, according to NYPD data.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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