Three teenagers were still on the run Friday after police say one of them stabbed a security guard outside the Harmons grocery store in downtown Salt Lake City, turning an apparent deli shoplifting attempt into a violent confrontation during the afternoon rush. The guard was taken to a local hospital in serious but stable condition, and no other injuries were reported.
According to KUTV, the Salt Lake City Police Department said officers were called around 3 p.m. to reports that three youths had stolen from the deli at the Harmons on 1st South and State Street. Lt. Cody Lougy told the station the guard was stabbed in the stomach after confronting the suspects. The teens were described as two Hispanic boys and one African American boy, and they fled eastbound. Officers deployed drones in an active search and said the incident appears to be isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public.
Where it happened
The confrontation unfolded outside Harmons' City Creek store in the heart of downtown. The chain lists the location at 135 E 100 S, right on the edge of City Creek Center, a spot that typically sees steady foot traffic from office workers, nearby residents, and visitors.
Context and safety concerns
The stabbing comes amid heightened concern about violent incidents in public retail spaces around the region. Earlier this week, a separate stabbing at Valley Fair Mall drew national attention and renewed anxiety over safety for both workers and shoppers. ABC News reported that the mall attack is being investigated as a targeted assault.
Salt Lake City police say the Harmons investigation is ongoing and that they plan to release more information as leads develop. As of Friday, authorities had not released the security guard's name or the identities of the three teens.
