An employee of a store in the Eagle Landing Parkway shopping plaza was stabbed in the leg Friday while trying to thwart a shoplifter.

Just before 4 p.m. two loss-prevention officers were trying to stop the shoplifter when he allegedly pulled out a knife.

Despite being stabbed, the victim and his colleague were able to hold the shoplifter until police arrived. The victim was then hurried off to hospital for treatment of a minor non-life threatening injury.

“We are thankful that the loss prevention officer did not sustain life threatening injuries in this matter,” said Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Len vanNieuwenhuizen. “Law enforcement at all levels poses inherent safety issues.”

Meanwhile, 42 year old Maple Ridge native Shane Garret Appleby was arrested and faces three charges including assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and theft under $5,000.

Appleby was also sought by North Vancouver police on an outstanding warrant for a different charge of theft.