Police this week released new photos of a man accused of stabbing a Home Depot employee and pepper-spraying three others as he stole two chainsaws from the hardware store in Peoples Plaza.

The incident happened just before 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25, according to Cpl. Jason Hatchell, a spokesman for Delaware State Police.

The employees confronted the thief as he attempted to leave the store with the chainsaws.

“The suspect, who was armed with pepper spray, dropped one of the chainsaws and sprayed three employees in the face,” Hatchell said.

A fourth employee chased the thief into the parking lot. He was able to get the second chainsaw back, but the thief stabbed him in his arm.

The stabbing victim, a 53-year-old man from North East, Md., was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The employees who were pepper-sprayed were treated at the scene by EMTs.

The assailant was described as a white man, approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall, with a heavy build and a dark beard. He was wearing all dark clothing, a black mask and gloves.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call DSP at 302-365-8410.

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