What to Know
- The suspect is in custody.
- One employee was hospitalized.
- Police believe the suspect attempted to shoplift when an employee intervened.
Two Publix employees were stabbed by a suspect who allegedly stole an item from a Miami Beach store Wednesday evening.
Matthew Miller, 43, was arrested by detectives and charged with aggravated battery, armed robbery and retail theft.
According to police, the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. at the store located at 6876 Collins Avenue. An employee reportedly saw Miller stealing a $7.99 Chicken Caesar Salad from the store and went to notify the store's manager.
As the manager tried to stop Miller from leaving the store, he was stabbed. Miller then allegedly stabbed the other victim in the knee before an officer stopped him and placed Miller under arrest.
The store manager was taken to Ryder Trauma Center after being stabbed in the chest. The other employee was treated at the scene.
According to an arrest report, a knife was recovered at the scene.
"The safety of our associates and customers is paramount and we are working closely with the Miami Beach Police Department as they continue their investigation," Publix said in a statement.
Regular shoppers said they were shocked to hear of the violent incident at the store.
"It's unusual to see anyone that I would worry about here, it's not something I would assume would ever happen, but it can always happen in a big city," Eric Buck said.
Miller, who was listed in the report as homeless, was being held without bond Thursday, jail records showed. Attorney information wasn't available.
