Knife-Wielding Shoplifter Stopped By Employee, Customer: Police

HAMDEN, CT — A New Haven man was arrested after police say he pulled out a knife during a shoplifting attempt at the Family Dollar Store and was stopped by an employee and a bystander who helped pulled the knife away. Police responded to the store, located at 1245 Dixwell Avenue, at about 8:15 p.m. on March 12 on the report of a shoplifter armed with a knife, according to Sgt. Anthony Diaz.

Diaz said investigation revealed that Mark Woods attempted to walk out of the store with a bag filled with soap products when an employee attempted to detain him inside the store. A struggle ensued and Woods pulled out a knife, according to Diaz. A bystander assisted in pulling the knife away from Woods and no injuries were reported, Diaz said.

Woods, 45, of Thompson Street in New Haven, was arrested on charges of first-degree robbery and sixth-degree larceny. Woods was held on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on March 26.

Pictured: Mark Woods, 45, of New Haven / Hamden Police Department