Store security stabbed after shoplifting attempt

PENTICTON – A Penticton loss prevention officer avoided serious injury after being stabbed by a shoplifter last week.

The loss prevention officer was working night shift in London Drugs on Thursday, Sept. 1, around 10 p.m. when he spotted a man stealing side cutters.

Penticton RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth said the officer attempted to approach the man, who tried to punch him, then stabbed him in the neck in what was described as “an ice pick stabbing motion” with the side cutters.

Police were called and they tracked the man back to the Columbus Park housing project where he was arrested for assault with a weapon and theft under $5,000.

The loss prevention officer was not seriously injured in the assault.

Closed circuit video surveillance recorded some of the incident, police said.

The accused, who has an extensive criminal record, was released on recognizance.

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