VIDEO: Gatorade-swiping shoplifter threatens Duane Reade security guard with hypodermic needle
A Gatorade-grabbing shoplifter threatened a security guard with a hypodermic needle at a Midtown Manhattan Duane Reade during a tense caught-on-camera standoff, police said Wednesday.
The crook loaded up a FreshDirect bag with bottles of Gatorade and other beverages from a cooler inside the E. 34th St. chain pharmacy about 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, surveillance video released by cops shows.
As he was heading for the door, a 64-year-old security guard grabbed him by the arm.
The shoplifter batted the guard’s arm away, dropped the bag of stolen drinks, whipped out a hypodermic needle and started advancing toward the guard, trying to jab him with it, the video shows.
The crook scratched the guard’s left hand with the needle before running off.
The security guard declined medical attention.
Cops are asking the public’s help identifying the crook and tracking him down. He has a mustache and was wearing a knit hat, two hoodies and black sweatpants.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
