A 29-year-old Bronx deli worker was mercilessly beaten with a baseball bat by a shoplifter he tried to stop from palming a package of chips, police said Tuesday.
Cops released images of the suspect wanted for the Jan. 7 attack at Moe’s 2430 Deli Grocery and are asking the public’s help identifying him and tracking him down.
Store employees told police the bearded shoplifter often comes into the store on E. Tremont Ave. near Castle Hill Ave. and swipes bags of chips and other snacks.
The day of thet attack, the shoplifter grabbed a bag of chips off a rack near the store’s entrance about 9:30 a.m., cops said. When the victim told the thief he had to pay for the chips, the crook grew beligerant and threw the chips onto the ground, sparking an argument, police were told.
During the clash, the shoplifter grabbed a baseball bat and struck the worker multiple times in the face, causing a deep gash.
The attacker stormed off down the street, cops said.
Medics took the store worker to Jacobi Medical Center with minor injuries.
Cops scouring the area for surveillance footage secured images of the suspect near the deli. He was wearing a green Old Navy sweatshirt, red sweatpants and black-and-white sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
