Kroger Cashier Mariah Smith Stabbed Multiple Times in Violent Fort Worth Robbery

FORT WORTH, Texas — A routine afternoon shift turned into a nightmare for a young grocery store worker when she was stabbed multiple times during a violent robbery attempt at a Fort Worth supermarket. The victim, identified as 21-year-old Mariah Smith, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition following the attack.

Violence Erupts at Camp Bowie West Kroger

The incident took place shortly after noon on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Kroger supermarket located at 9114 Camp Bowie West Boulevard in Fort Worth. According to police reports, Smith was working at her register when a male suspect approached her from behind and aggressively demanded she open the cash drawer.

Because the register was locked and she was in the middle of a transaction, Smith was unable to comply immediately. Witnesses and officials reported that the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Michael Pitts, quickly grew impatient and stabbed Smith several times in the abdomen with a knife before he could obtain any cash.

Suspect Detained, Victim Faces Long Recovery

Fort Worth police officers and store security acted quickly, detaining Pitts at the scene. He was booked into Tarrant County Jail and faces charges of aggravated robbery. Meanwhile, paramedics transported Smith to a nearby hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. The severity of the stab wounds forced surgeons to remove her spleen, a portion of her pancreas, and one of her kidneys. After spending eight days in intensive care, she was discharged to begin a long and challenging physical recovery.

Kroger Responds with Enhanced Security Measures

In the wake of the stabbing, Kroger temporarily closed the Camp Bowie West location to cooperate with the police investigation. The grocery chain released a statement expressing devastation over the attack and wishing Smith a swift recovery. To reassure employees and shoppers, Kroger announced it would implement permanent armed security patrols at the store, stationed from opening until closing daily.