Oct. 26—CHAMPAIGN — A Campustown convenience store employee who tried to stop a shoplifter early Thursday was stabbed in the back but police said his injuries are non-life threatening.
University of Illinois police were called at 3:53 a.m. Thursday by an employee of Circle K, 51 E. Green St., C, who said he had been stabbed during a struggle with a man who attempted to take alcohol from the store without paying for it.
When he tried to keep the shoplifter from leaving, the two got into a struggle and the would-be shoplifter pulled out a sharp object and struck the employee at least twice in the back. He was taken to an area hospital for what police described as superficial wounds.
The alleged shoplifter ran from the store and police are still looking for him.
The incident prompted a campus-wide safety alert. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact UI police at 217-333-1216.
Witnesses may remain anonymous by calling Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (373-TIPS), by visiting 373tips.com, or by providing information through the P3 Tips mobile app.