Suspect Sought in Knife Attack at Newark Walgreens

Police searching for shoplifter who assaulted employee during confrontation

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:53am

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An extreme close-up of a sharp knife blade covered in blood, photographed against a stark black background with dramatic lighting, conceptually representing the violence of the assault on the Walgreens employee.A violent confrontation at a Newark Walgreens exposes the risks retail workers face from shoplifters and other criminals.Newark Today

Newark police are seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect who assaulted a Walgreens employee with a knife after being caught shoplifting at the store on March 28, 2026. The suspect, who was with a woman and four children, cut the employee's hand before fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

Violent crimes against retail workers have been on the rise in Newark, with many employees facing threats and attacks from shoplifters and other criminals. This incident highlights the risks faced by frontline workers and the need for improved security measures and community cooperation to address the issue.

The details

According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., the suspect and the group he was with began taking merchandise from the Walgreens on Ferry Street around 3:30 p.m. on March 28. When a security guard spotted them, the suspect and the others were escorted out of the store. As they were leaving, an employee left the register to assist, at which point the suspect pulled out a knife and swung at the employee, cutting his hand before fleeing the scene.

  • The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on March 28, 2026.

The players

Emanuel Miranda Sr.

The Newark Public Safety Director, who provided details about the incident.

Walgreens

The drug store chain where the assault took place.

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What they’re saying

“We urge anyone with information on the suspect's identity to call the Police Division's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line.”

— Emanuel Miranda Sr., Newark Public Safety Director

What’s next

Police are asking the public to contact the Crime Stopper tip line with any information that could help identify the suspect.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges retail workers face in dealing with violent crimes, underscoring the need for improved security measures and stronger community partnerships to protect frontline employees.