Police are asking anyone who recognizes this man or has information to contact them

LIBERTY TWP., Ohio (WKBN) A would-be thief had quite the surprise Tuesday morning. As he tried to steal car parts from an auto salvage lot, he was met by the armed business owner.

Emad Ali was keeping an eye on his auto salvage business Monday night.

I heard somebody jump the fence, he said.

His business, located at what was once Cleveland Auto Wrecking in the 2700 block of Youngstown Hubbard Rd., hasnt even opened yet but Ali said a few weeks ago, someone broke in. It happened again overnight.

I heard the sawzall. He cut three I count three to four catalytic converters. I found three.

Ali said he went up to the man and the two got into a fight.

He tried to attack me and I had the flashlight in his eyes, and I went down to my knees and I stabbed him between his legs to his cheek.

Ali snapped a picture and tied him up with a rope, but the man somehow managed to get away.

We have reached out to area hospitals, no one has showed up there, said Liberty Township Police Capt. Ray Buhala.

Liberty police are now working to figure out who the man is as detectives continue to investigate.

The message is, you see anyone on property even if its yours attempting to steal anything, simply, first call the police so we can get the police on their way, Buhala said. Dont take matters into your own hands.

No charges have been filed against Ali. The investigation is ongoing.

Liberty Police released a photo of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to come forward. If you recognize him, you can send a message on Facebook or contact the tipline at 330-539-9830. All information will be considered confidential.

Read this article:

Police say Liberty business owner stabbed theft suspect, who still managed to get away - WKBN.com