Police said the worker was hurt outside a deli near Westchester and Stratford avenues.
BRONX, N.Y. — A 26-year-old deli worker was stabbed in the leg Friday morning after confronting a suspected shoplifter outside a Soundview deli, police sources and witnesses said.
The stabbing happened just before 10 a.m. near Westchester and Stratford avenues, where a fight spilled onto the sidewalk. The worker was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover, while police continued searching for the suspect.
Witnesses said the confrontation began after a man tried to steal a pack of cookies from the deli. Workers confronted him, and the dispute turned violent outside the store. Surveillance video showed a chaotic fight on the sidewalk, with a bat and knife seen flying through the air.
One witness said the suspect stabbed the worker in the leg and ran away. Investigators later collected evidence at the scene, where blood remained on the sidewalk for hours. Police said the suspect wore all black, and one witness described him as wearing a leather jacket.
Neighbors said the deli has served the Soundview area for decades. Some said shoplifting has been a continuing problem at the store, adding to concern after Friday’s violence. Police did not release the worker’s name or say whether the suspect and employee knew each other.
No arrest had been announced by Friday evening. Police were reviewing evidence and looking for the man seen leaving the area after the stabbing. The exact charges will depend on the investigation and whether detectives identify and arrest the suspect.
The scene drew attention from nearby residents and workers as officers moved around the corner business district. Witnesses described a sudden fight that unfolded in daylight, outside a store many people in the neighborhood know well.
Police remained focused on finding the suspect as the injured worker recovered. The investigation was still active as of May 23, 2026.
Author note: Last updated May 23, 2026.