PLATTSBUGH — State Police are pointing to a recent incident in Plattsburgh as a reminder to the public not to directly approach or attempt to detain individuals suspected of committing crimes. This is because suspects may be armed or violent and confronting them can result in serious injury.

Instead, State Police say that if you witness a crime, contact law enforcement immediately.

A civilian attempting to stop a robbery suspect was stabbed by the suspect while doing so, suffering a leg laceration that required a tourniquet. The injured civilian was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

State Police thanked the civilians who assisted during this incident, describing their actions as “courageous.” At the same time, police remind the public not to approach or attempt to detain individuals suspected of committing crimes.

At approximately 9:57 a.m. Monday, State Police members responded to Centre Drive in the town of Plattsburgh for a report of an individual who had been stabbed while attempting to detain a shoplifter from Runnings.

A preliminary investigation alleges that Dylan M. Blake, 25, of Plattsburgh, entered Runnings on Centre Drive and filled a shopping cart full of tools. These were described by witnesses as being of significant value, according to police. As a civilian was checking out, they observed the male pushing the cart past all points of purchase without paying. The civilian notified an employee; however, due to store policy, employees are not permitted to pursue suspected shoplifters. The civilian then approached the male suspect on their own.

The suspect exited the store and fled on foot with the stolen merchandise. The civilian pursued the suspect and caught up to him, leading to a physical altercation. A second civilian driving by stopped to assist. During the struggle, the suspect displayed a knife and stabbed the first civilian in the leg, causing a laceration.

The suspect fled the scene. Both civilians remained on scene until law enforcement and EMS arrived. A tourniquet was applied to the victim’s leg and was transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Further investigation identified Blake as the suspect. He is a state parolee, according to police. State Police members actively searched for Blake.

Blake was located on Tuesday morning, according to police. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the State Police Plattsburgh station for processing. He was charged with one count of first-degree robbery, a felony. State Police Public Information Officer Trooper Brandi Ashley said the charge pertains to the entirety of the situation alleged to have occurred, as the suspect allegedly not only stole items, but also allegedly had a deadly weapon on his person and allegedly used the weapon.

Blake will be arraigned in the Plattsburgh town court, according to police, who added that the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office recommended he be remanded to the Clinton County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond or a $100,000 partially secured bond.