CHICAGO — A shoplifting attempt at an Aldi store in Edgewater turned violent earlier this month when a 61-year-old man allegedly stabbed a store manager and later confessed to the attack, according to Chicago police and prosecutors.
Suspect Confesses During Arrest
The incident happened around 2 p.m. on June 13 at the Aldi located at 6221 North Broadway. Authorities say John Brown, the suspect, attacked a 41-year-old assistant manager by stabbing him in the thigh during the altercation. After the assault, Brown fled the store, triggering a police response that tracked him to the Granville Red Line station.
According to a Chicago Police Department report, officers found Brown running on the platform with a knife or sharp tool in hand. As police closed in, Brown reportedly jumped onto the train tracks and attempted to flee by running southbound. During the chase, he dropped an object into the nearby Whole Foods parking lot, believed to be the weapon used in the stabbing.
Police arrested Brown shortly thereafter and recovered the knife.
‘I stabbed the [expletive] out of him,’ Brown allegedly said
What stood out to police and prosecutors was Brown’s unfiltered admission during and after the arrest. According to reports, he yelled repeatedly, “I stabbed the [expletive] out of him. He put his hands on me.” Authorities noted he made multiple unsolicited confessions regarding the attack.
Charges Filed Amid Uncooperative Behavior
Brown has since been charged with armed robbery, robbery, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and aggravated battery of a merchant.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Brown has reportedly been uncooperative with authorities throughout the process. Court documents show he refused to give his name, declined fingerprinting, and even refused to appear in court. He’s now representing himself in the case.
The condition of the injured assistant manager has not been publicly disclosed.
Community Concerns and CTA Safety
The violent nature of the incident — which spilled from a neighborhood store onto public transit infrastructure — has raised renewed concerns among Edgewater residents about safety at local businesses and CTA stations.
With rising concerns about theft and violence in retail spaces, this case underscores the escalating danger store employees face when confronting shoplifters. Aldi has not released a public statement about the incident as of yet.
What do you think should be done to better protect store employees from violent encounters like this? Share your thoughts at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
