Once again, there is a violent incident in a delicatessen on Staten Island, allegedly over beer: attack or self-defense?

STATEN ISLAND, NY — Authorities say a 29-year-old man brandished a knife and then hit a man in the head with a metal pipe at a Stapleton deli.

However, the defendant’s lawyer claims that the 29-year-old worked in the store and defended himself against a shoplifter.

Richard Diaz, who lives on Broad Street, was arrested on May 19, the day the assault allegedly occurred at 3:15 a.m. at the deli at 191 Broad Street, according to the criminal complaint and police.

According to a source familiar with the investigation, the victim was a 43-year-old man.

The indictment alleges that Diaz displayed a knife and pointed it at the victim. Police say the defendant punched the victim in the face several times and then struck the victim repeatedly in the head with a metal pipe.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim’s injuries included a cut, bleeding and significant head pain.

According to the criminal complaint, Diaz was accused of assault, illegal possession of a weapon, menacing and harassment.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on bail. Public records indicate he is due back in criminal court on June 12.

Attorney Yan Katsnelson defended the innocence of his client Diaz.

“Mr. Diaz was protecting himself from a serial thief,” Katsnelson said. “The plaintiff came into the store and stole beer. When Mr. Diaz tried to stop him, he became violent. This is just another example of how criminals in New York are protected by the law while hard-working people get the short end of the stick.”