An arrest has been made after a Darwin supermarket owner was allegedly stabbed to death when he confronted a teenage shoplifter.
Linford Feich, 71, who was born in Canada, ran the Friendly Grocer Nightcliff Supermarket until Wednesday night, when he confronted an alleged thief.
The teenager fled on a bicycle and, following an extensive manhunt, police made an arrest late on Wednesday night.
Customers performed first aid and CPR on the store owner until paramedics arrived but he died at the scene.
‘It is alleged that an unknown male was stealing items from a supermarket,’ a police spokesperson said on Wednesday night.
‘A 71-year-old owner of the store allegedly confronted the male and asked him to return the items before the male allegedly stabbed him with an edged weapon and fled the scene on a bicycle.
‘At this stage, police believe they have identified the offender, and efforts are currently underway to locate him.’
Distraught onlookers recalled hearing shouting before the store owner was stabbed.
An 18-year-old has been arrested following the stabbing death of a Darwin supermarket owner on Wednesday night
Witnesses said they heard shouting in the store (right) and police arrested the teenager (left) late on Wednesday night
‘As soon as we entered we heard the voice (of the man), he tried to kick (him out), while (he was) stealing things,’ one woman told the NT News.
‘Two staff members directed him to the door and suddenly (he allegedly) took out a knife and stabbed the man … and he collapsed.’
She said she called emergency services about 5.17 to report the man’s injuries.
More to follow.
