A routine theft call at a Maplewood CVS turned violent Tuesday when a police officer was stabbed inside the store at White Bear Avenue and County Road B East. Officials say the officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was treated by EMS at the scene, and then taken to a local hospital. A suspect was arrested inside the store, and the case remains under active investigation.
According to FOX 9, Maplewood officers were dispatched around 11:45 a.m. on a report of a possible theft. When one officer made contact with a man inside the CVS, the suspect allegedly attacked him with a knife, and the officer was injured.
CBS News Minnesota posted video from the scene and reported that police confirmed an officer was hurt during the encounter. Authorities have not released the officer's name.
Suspect in Custody, Charges Pending
Patch reports the suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Maplewood police say the stabbing remains under active investigation, and formal charges have not yet been announced.
Local Context
Maplewood has grappled with other high-profile public-safety incidents this year, including a February shooting that temporarily closed the Maplewood Mall, highlighting the strain on Twin Cities suburbs this summer, the Star Tribune reported. The CVS at White Bear Avenue and County Road B sits on a busy retail strip heavily used by commuters and shoppers.
Maplewood police said they will release additional details as the investigation continues and asked the public to stay clear of the immediate area while investigators work, according to FOX 9. We will update this story when police provide more information.
