Homeless man charged with stabbing Rite Aid worker with needle in Kips Bay

KIPS BAY (WABC) -- Authorities say a Rite Aid store worker was stabbed in the hand with a needle by a homeless man who claims to be HIV positive.

Gabriel Garcia, 45, was charged with robbery and assault in the attack at 542 Second Ave., in Kips Bay at around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The man, who is homeless and claims to be HIV positive, was attempting to steal $150 of store merchandise, according to police.

The 45-year-old store employee was preventing him from leaving when the suspect allegedly pulled out a needle and stabbed the worker's right hand.

The worker was taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.

He was being tested since the homeless man claimed to have HIV. He has made similar claims in the past.

The suspect was stuffing his pockets with merchandise, including Aleve body wash, police say.