The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is investigating a stabbing that occurred at a Publix Supermarket located on the 3600 block of Bee Ridge Road.
- 57-year-old female victim was reportedly trying to prevent shoplifting
- Deputies say the suspect stabbed her in the neck, then himself
- He was apprehended by authorities, weapon located
Deputies were responding to the store earlier Thursday for reports of shoplifting. But before they arrived, the incident had morphed into a stabbing.
According to authorities, witnesses said the 57-year-old female victim, who is an employee of Publix, was attempting to stop the suspect when he stabbed her in the back of the neck.
After the attack, the suspect stabbed himself several times before fleeing southbound on Maceachen Boulevard, toward the Beneva Ridge Apartments, officials said.
Deputies quickly took the suspect into custody.
The K-9 Unit also responded and located the knife used during the incident. The knife was found at a nearby tennis court.
Both the suspect and victim were transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and are in stable condition. Deputies said there is no immediate threat to the public, and the grocery store remains open.