A deli worker in posh Gramercy was slapped with felony charges for allegedly throwing a knife at an “aggressive” intruder inside the shop this week – while the store owner claimed the arrested employee was simply “trying to protect the business.”

Mahmoud Bourada, 34, flung the knife during a clash with another 34-year-old man who he’d ordered to leave the Heavenly Market where he worked on Third Avenue near East 23rd Street around 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to cops and law enforcement sources.

The blade cut the troublemaker on his left hand, but he was uncooperative with cops and refused medical attention, authorities said.

Mahmoud Bourada, 34, allegedly threw a knife at an “aggressive” intruder inside the Heavenly Market on Third Avenue near East 23rd Street late Tuesday. Google Maps

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