MIRAMAR, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for a man who, they said, pulled a knife on employees at a Publix in Miramar after he shoplifted several items.
Surveillance images released on Wednesday show the subject, seen wearing a black T-shirt and baseball cap, lifting his shirt and stuffing items down his pants at the supermarket located near Miramar Parkway and Palm Avenue, July 27, just before noon.
Investigators said the thief paid for a knife, some beer and soda. Employees had noticed him stealing the other items before he checked out, so they followed him outside.
Detectives said that was a dangerous decision. They said the staff stopped the subject in front of the store and confronted the subject about the other items, and that was when he pulled out the 8-to-10-inch knife and threatened the employees.
No one was hurt, but area residents were still shocked over the incident. “Really, really scared,” said Cordella Phillips, “because my grandma is always in there shopping, like always in there.”
“That’s crazy,” said area resident Deno Johnson. “I’ve never heard anything like that happening in this area.”
Maria Peres said she is now considering alternate grocery shopping options. “I don’t want to come here anymore,” she said.
When asked if she had a message for the subject, Phillips replied, “Get a job.”
Investigators said the man is believed to be between 20 and 30 years old, stands between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighs between 160 to 180 pounds.
Police are calling the incident an aggravated assault. They are hoping someone will recognize the thief and point them in the right direction.
If you have any information on his whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.