Suffolk police have arrested the Melville 7-Eleven clerk who they say fatally stabbed an alleged shoplifter early Thursday morning.

According to police, the incident happened just after midnight at the store located on Broadhollow Road.

Police say the shoplifter, identified as 31-year-old Raquan Jackson, went into the 7-Eleven and stole some items before the clerk chased him outside.

That is when police say a fight broke out between the two in a nearby parking lot. The clerk then fatally stabbed the shoplifter in the torso with a box cutter, according to authorities.

"Subject was stabbed with a box cutter, which the clerk was using at the store. He returned to the 7-Eleven and called 911," says Detective Lt. Kevin Beyrer. "If someone does steal an item from a store, we don't not recommend and we advise against chasing the person."

Hours later, police announced 29-year-old Conroy Jarman, of Hempstead, had been arrested on second-degree manslaughter charges. He is due to be arraigned in Central Islip Friday.