Thief Attacks Employee With Knife In Allentown: Police

A would-be thief is in police custody after authorities said he attacked a dollar store worker with a knife on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23.

Family Dollar, 1401 Allen Street; Allentown police.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps (Street View)/Inset: Allentown Police*

Mac Bullock

11/27/2023 4:25 p.m.

Police said 28-year-old Raphael Garcia walked into the Family Dollar at 1401 Allen Street around 2:45 p.m. and tried to steal merchandise.

When an employee confronted him, authorities said Garcia slashed the worker's hand with a knife, causing a "minor laceration."

Garcia was identified using the store's security footage and was arrested on Friday night, Nov. 25, police said. He is charged with possessing an instrument of crime, simple assault, retail theft, and related counts, according to APD.

Court records show the 28-year-old was unable to post $5,000 bail and is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 1.

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