Photo c/o Phil O’Brien / W42ST
An employee at a Morton Williams supermarket died late Friday after attempting to stop a suspected shoplifter.
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According to the NYPD, the 64-year-old worker was assaulted around 9:20 p.m. inside the store, located at 917 Ninth Avenue (between West 58th and 59th streets). He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police have not yet released the victim’s identity.This story was first reported by W42ST.
On Saturday morning, the supermarket was closed, with a handwritten sign on the door reading “Temporary Closed!! Sorry for the inconvenience,” W42ST reports. By the afternoon, the store had reopened, though NYPD officers remained on site, continuing their investigation. Security staff were also stationed at the entrance, and shoppers were visibly shaken by the news.
An anonymous Morton Williams employee told W42ST that the victim “…tried to stop someone from stealing, and there was a scuffle. He was taken to the hospital, but he didn’t make it.”
The Midtown North Precinct is overseeing the investigation. As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been announced, and police said the case remains active.
“We are all devastated by this horrible tragedy,” said Steven Sloan, a Morton Williams owner, in a statement to ILTUWS. “He was a dedicated and long time employee for over 10 years and was loved by all that worked with him and knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones in this difficult moment.”
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