21-year-old pharmacy security guard stabbed after trying to shoplift in terrifying New York attack

A shoplifter caused chaos in Midtown Saturday — stabbing and seriously injuring a Duane Reade security guard and threatening another person, according to police sources.

The 21-year-old security guard tried to stop the suspected thief from stealing from the pharmacy located on the corner of West 53rd Avenue and 8th Avenue, police sources said.

But the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the security guard in the arm and left side of his torso, police sources said.

The suspect also threatened another person outside the store with the knife, sources said.

Police arrived at the bloody scene shortly before 4 p.m.

The attack shook residents of the neighborhood.

“I feel worried and scared. The city has changed so much. We watch our backs in stores and on the subway,” said Ermal Gura, 35, of Staten Island, who noted that because of the increase in shoplifting, everyone should “call customer service just to buy shampoo.”

They found the suspect several blocks away with the knife still on him, police sources said.

The security guard was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital in serious condition, police said.

Sources said the suspect was arrested and was in the Midtown North area.