An unidentified male suspect is in custody after stabbing two security guards at a Macy’s store in Philadelphia, resulting in the death of one of the two security guards. The suspect stabbed the two security guards after attempting to steal from the Macy’s store.
According to NBC Philadelphia, the incident started at roughly 10:45 a.m. at the Macy’s location on 13th and Market Streets. The unidentified suspect was reportedly attempting to steal hats from the Macy’s store but was caught by security guards who confiscated the merchandise.
The Philadelphia Police Department explained that the suspect returned to the same store about 15 minutes later and stabbed a 30-year-old security guard in the neck. Police noted that a 23-year-old security guard was stabbed in the arm and face while trying to intervene in the incident and save the first security guard.
“When the male comes back into store, he immediately goes straight towards one of the security guards, and then redirects his attention to a second security guard, runs directly to that security guard with a knife already exposed and begins to stab him,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stafford said. “There’s a scuffle with the second security guard trying to save the first guard that’s stabbed, and that security guard sustains several stab wounds, as well.”
The two security guards were transported to Jefferson Hospital while local police responded to the crime scene. Fox News reported that the unidentified suspect boarded a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) train after the incident and that the suspect was eventually arrested at Somerset Station by SEPTA police.
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“Just a tragic situation. Right here, a few weeks before the holiday, these security officers are just doing their job,” Stanford said. “They’re here to make sure 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, which is located across from City Hall in Center City, has reported 250 incidents to the police over the past year as the store has experienced 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.
