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Wilmington Chicken Thief Arrested After Hiding Birds At Daycare, Then Stabbing Employee Who Confronted Him

WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) – Police in Delaware say they've arrested a poultry-loving thief after he stabbed an employee at the daycare where he was stashing the birds.

On Friday morning, 49-year-old Ronald Johnson reportedly removed 72 lbs of whole frozen chickens from a truck making a delivery at the Fresh Grocer on West 4th Street in Wilmington.

Johnson then attempted to stash the stolen meat at a daycare behind the grocery store, but was spotted by a 57-year-old male employee, who confronted him.

Johnson fled the scene and the employee called the police.

Officers who responded to the scene returned the stash of chickens to the delivery driver, but when Johnson returned to the daycare to remove the stolen goods, he was confronted by a second daycare employee, a 38-year-old male.

When the employee attempted to follow the suspect, Johnson stabbed him with a steak knife before fleeing the area.

The victim sustained lacerations to his lower back and right ring finger. He was treated at an area hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Johnson was arrested after a short foot chase. He is now being held in Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $12,500 secured bond.

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