D.C. police have arrested a man who is accused of using a hatchet to attack an employee at a Safeway store in Northwest during a shoplifting attempt.

Andrew Spielman, 37, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and shoplifting, the Metropolitan Police Department said, according to WTOP.

The unidentified Safeway worker caught Mr. Spielman shoplifting at about 10:17 p.m. Friday, police said. He had put items worth more than $100 in total, including milk, strawberry ice cream, lemon bread and brisket, into his backpack.

When the worker tried to stop the shoplifting, Mr. Spielman hacked at the employee with a hatchet, police said. The employee was hospitalized with serious injuries.

As Mr. Spielman tried to flee, police arrived and took him into custody.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.