NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A man described as a "known shoplifter" at a Manhattan Duane Reade was caught on video punching a cop in the face as they allegedly tried to leave the store with merchandise.
The incident happened Friday, Dec. 10 at about 11:30 a.m. at a Duane Reade located at 155 East 34th St. in Murray Hill, where an NYPD member was on paid detail.
Police said the officer was informed by staff of someone trying to shoplift, who they then confronted as the suspect tried to leave the store.
The suspect punched the cop in the face before fleeing on foot, police said. The officer suffered a left ear laceration, head pain and a fractured bone in their face.
The officer was brought to a hospital for their injuries.
Cops said it's unclear if the suspect ended up making off with any items from the store.
Police said the person was a "known shoplifter" at the store.
NYPD
Police released video of the incident and the suspect, who police said is a man last seen wearing a dark-colored hooded jacket, dark pants and dark shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or on the Spanish line at 1-888-57-PISTA.
