Alleged thief tries to stab loss prevention worker

LANCASTER – A 59-year-old man was arrested Thursday afternoon after he alleged tried to steal from a grocery store, attempted to stab a worker who tried to stop him and then led deputies on a brief car chase, authorities said.

Alex Navarro was arrested around 1:30 p.m. Thursday for assault with a deadly weapon and booked at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

The arrest stemmed from an incident that happened around 1 p.m. at Superior Grocers at 1010 East Avenue J in Lancaster, according to Sgt. Robbie Royster of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

Navarro allegedly entered the grocery store, took several items from the shelves and tried to leave the store without paying, Royster said.

When Navarro was stopped by store loss prevention, he produced a knife and began attempting to stab the employee, Royster said.

The employee was able to avoid being stabbed before Navarro fled from the parking lot in a black Mazda 626.

Lancaster deputies spotted the vehicle on East Avenue I and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Navarro refused to yield to deputies and a short vehicle pursuit ensued, according to Royster.

Navarro drove toward his home near the 45400 Block of Rodin Street, and then ran from his vehicle and hid in a nearby backyard, Royster said.

He was captured after deputies contained the neighborhood. The ongoing investigation is being handled by the Lancaster Detective Bureau.

Navarro remains jailed on $30,000 bail and is due in court Monday.

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