Jose Sandoval, 29, pulled the knife and tried to stab the guard during a struggle at the Family Dollar store on Getty Avenue Monday afternoon, Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said.
Responding officers grabbed Sandoval after he tried to hop the bus in the area of Main and Crooks avenues, Bracken said.
Sandover was charged with aggravated assault, robbery, theft and weapons possession and sent to the Passaic County Jail, the lieutenant said.
The employee wasn't injured, he said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Pascack Valley and receive free news updates.