LOWER EAST SIDE — A thief smuggling laundry detergent out of Rite Aid tried to stab an employee with a hypodermic needle when he got caught, authorities said.
The man came into the store at 408 Grand St. at around 3:15 p.m. on July 29 and grabbed a pack of Tide Pods, then tried to exit the store without paying, according to a police report.
When a 24-year-old employee tried to stop the thief, the suspect fought back and a struggle ensued, police said.
During the tussle, the thief pulled out a hypodermic needle and tried to poke the clerk with it before fleeing the store with the detergent pods in hand, police said.
The suspect is about 6 feet and weighing 180 pounds, according to a police report.
The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made, police said.
Rite Aid did not immediately respond to a request for comment.