Police: Shoplifter Bites Security Guard, Faces Assault Charge

An Elmsford man faces an assault charge after police say he bit a security guard who suspected him of shoplifting from in White Plains Friday evening.

Crystal Ewing, 51, was charged with petty larceny and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors. According to an arrest report, store security followed Ewing out of the store at about 7:50 p.m. after Ewing placed several wallets and ties in a backpack and walked outside.

As security approached, police say Ewing tossed the bag at a security guard and tried to run. When security caught up with Ewing near the intersection of Martine Ave. and Court St. police say the 51-year-old bit a guard in the forearm, breaking the skin and causing swelling.

The security guard was treated at White Plains Hospital.

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Ewing, who lives at 166 North Lawn Ave., was transported to police headquarters where he was held on $500 bail.

Police say Ewing had taken six wallets and five ties valued at about $547.