Robber Stabs Harlem Deli Workers With Hypodermic Needle: Police

HARLEM, NY — The NYPD is trying to identify a man who stabbed two Harlem deli workers with a hypodermic needle after being confronted for shoplifting, police said.

The man entered Joe's G-M Deli on Broadway near Tiemann Place on Wednesday night and attempted to leave the store with two 40-ounce cans of Old English malt liquor without paying, police said. A fight broke out when two store employees attempted to stop the man from stealing the alcohol.

During the struggle, the thief pulled a hypodermic needle and stabbed both store workers, police said. The employees suffered minor injuries and were treated at Harlem Hospital.

The thief was able to flee the store after stabbing the men and has not been caught. Police described the man as being in his 30s, standing about 5-feet-10 and weighing around 250 pounds. Police released a photo of the suspect taken on store security cameras.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).