2 Miami Beach Publix Employees Stabbed

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Two Miami Beach Publix employees both suffered stab wounds on Wednesday after they are believed to have confronted an alleged thief, according to Miami Beach Police. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the store located at 6876 Collins Ave. Police said they took one man into custody.

The more seriously injured employee, who was not identified, was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center suffering from a torso wound. Another employee suffered a cut to his leg but was not taken to the hospital, according to Miami Beach police.

"The investigation is in its preliminary stages, however, we believe the subject was possibly shoplifting when the employee intervened," Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department told Patch. "A struggle ensued resulting in the stab wound and laceration."

Police later charged 43-year-old Matthew Lawrence Miller with aggravated battery, armed robbery and retail theft in connection with the stabbings.

Rodriguez said that the two Publix employees are expected to recover.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano