Cops: Shoplifting suspect shot after stabbing security guard

A would-be shoplifter was shot in the leg Tuesday evening while fleeing from a security guard he had stabbed in arm, Atlanta police said.

Officers were called to the area of Broad and Marietta streets downtown around 6:15 p.m.

According to the preliminary investigation, a man was confronted by a security guard while attempting to shoplift from a CVS pharmacy, Atlanta police spokesman Officer John Chafee said. The guard pepper-sprayed the suspect during a physical confrontation. The suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the guard in the arm while the guard was attempting to handcuff him, police said.

As the suspect tried to run away, the guard chased him and fired several shots, hitting him in the leg, Chafee said. The suspect was held at the scene until police arrived.

The security guard and the shoplifting suspect were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

The suspect is facing several charges, Chafee said.