An unnamed male suspect is in custody after stabbing two guards at a Macy’s store in Philadelphia, leading to the death of one of them. The suspect stabbed the guards after trying to steal from the Macy’s store.
According to NBC Philadelphia, the incident began around 10:45 a.m. at the Macy’s site on 13th and Market Streets. The unidentified suspect allegedly tried to take hats from the Macy’s store but was apprehended by guards who confiscated the items.
The Philadelphia Police Department stated that the suspect came back to the same store about 15 minutes later and stabbed a 30-year-old guard in the neck. Police mentioned that a 23-year-old guard was stabbed in the arm and face while attempting to intervene and aid the first guard.
“When the male returns to store, he immediately goes straight towards one of the guards, and then redirects his attention to a second guard, runs directly to that guard with a knife already exposed and begins to stab him,” explained Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stafford. “There’s a scuffle with the second guard trying to save the first guard that’s stabbed, and that guard sustains several stab wounds, as well.”
The two guards were taken to Jefferson Hospital while local police responded to the scene. Fox News noted that the suspect boarded a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) train after the incident and was eventually apprehended at Somerset Station by SEPTA police.
“Just a tragic situation. Right here, a few weeks before the holiday, these guards are just doing their job,” Stanford said. “They’re here to ensure that people can come to this location and shop in a safe manner. And for something like this to happen on a Monday morning, again, during a holiday season or any time of the year for that, but just another indication that every bit of crime is important in the city.”
According to Fox News, the Macy’s store, situated across from City Hall in Center City, has reported 250 incidents to the police over the past year as the store has faced increased levels of retail theft. Police announced that the store is currently closed and that any updates regarding the store will come from Macy’s.