This article has been updated to include new and additional information.
The Kroger store on Parsons Avenue on Columbus’ South Side temporarily closed Aug. 6 for a police investigation because a suspect is accused of biting off part of a security guard’s thumb.
According to Columbus police dispatch, officers responded around 11:24 a.m. on Aug. 6 to a report of an assault on a security guard where a suspect was reported to have bitten off all or a portion of one of the guard’s fingers.
According to court records, the security guard was attempting to remove the suspect from the store when he became combative and ended up on top of the security guard. The guard attempted to push him off when the suspect bit his thumb, tearing off a portion of it.
The security guard had been working at Kroger for 30 days and had six to seven interactions with the suspect before the latest incident, court records state.
The portion of thumb was recovered by first responders, and the victim was transported in stable condition to a hospital.
The suspect has been charged with felonious assault, according to court documents. The suspect refused to have his mugshot taken and refused to answer any questions about the incident.
A crime scene was established inside and outside the store, according to police dispatchers.
While the Kroger store was initially closed for the investigation, a store employee reported it later reopened.
Kroger corporate headquarters did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In 2024, Kroger announced that it was introducing security guards at six Columbus-area locations, The Dispatch previously reported. The stores with security guards also began requiring receipt checks and prohibiting shoppers from carrying large bags at some stores.
Cole Behrens covers K-12 education and school districts in central Ohio. Have a tip? Contact Cole at cbehrens@dispatch.com or connect with him on X at @Colebehr_report
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio man bites part of thumb off Kroger security guard
