Oakland ex-con arrested in security guard stabbing

OAKLAND _ A security guard at a Fruitvale district drugstore was stabbed Wednesday night by an ex-convict trying to shoplift, police said.

The 46-year-old guard, whose name was not released, was stabbed in the stomach and other parts of his body. He was in serious but stable condition Thursday at a local hospital and is expected to recover.

The suspect was identified by police as Leland Maes, 47, of Oakland.

Authorities said Maes has a criminal record dating back to 1978 and has at least five prior felony convictions, including three for robbery. He also has several misdemeanor convictions and has spent time in prison and jail and is currently on probation, authorities said.

Because of prior theft convictions, he has been ordered by a judge to stay away from at least one Oakland supermarket, authorities said.

The stabbing happened about 10:15 p.m. at the Walgreen's store in the 3200 block of Foothill Boulevard.

Police said the guard confronted Maes when he saw him trying to conceal merchandise and Maes stabbed him several times.

Maes ran from the store chased by another employee who flagged down Officer Jason Lancaster who was responding to the scene.

The other employee pointed out the fleeing Maes who was arrested a few blocks away by Lancaster.

Maes refused to talk to investigators. He was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, attempted grand theft and violating probation. He is being held without bail.

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