Safeway Clerk In Critical Condition After Attack By Robbery Suspect
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A man arrested for allegedly stabbing and seriously injuring a grocery store worker in San Francisco's Richmond District early Tuesday morning has been identified by police as 34-year-old Michael Pardo.
Pardo, a San Francisco resident, was arrested following the attack reported at about 1:05 a.m. at the Safeway store near Seventh Avenue and Cabrillo Street.
A 39-year-old man working at the store tried to stop Pardo from shoplifting and a physical confrontation ensued in which Pardo's dog allegedly bit the victim in the legs and buttocks while Pardo stabbed him in the back, police said.
Other store employees came to the victim's aid and Pardo was detained and later arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, robbery, assault, assault with caustic chemicals, and inflicting great bodily injury while committing a felony, according to police.
The store employee was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are considered life-threatening, police said.
Customers at the Inner Richmond Safeway were saddened to hear that a shoplifter attacked an employee, but few people were surprised.
"I don't understand people stealing. Then to just stab somebody? That's just sick," said Safeway shopper Patrick Hammond.
"There's crime coming up in the neighborhood," said Safeway customer Josh Long.
Tuesday afternoon, some Safeway employees talked about their concerns about the violence that's becoming a dangerous part of their jobs.
"It's not safe. I feel for everybody's safety," said Safeway worker Cicely Wood. "We need more security"
Eric Littschwager owns a Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in the Mission, where shoplifting and violence are consistent problems for his employees.
"The thieves realize they're not going to be prosecuted, so it's game on," said Littschwager.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee told KPIX 5 he doesn't know what's causing this problem, but thinks community policing can help fix it.
"That's why I'm spending money in our budget to add police officers," said Lee. "I'm not satisfied with some magical number from the 1970's. Our population has grown."
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