PHILADELPHIA, PA – A reported shoplifting incident turned deadly Monday morning at a Macy’s department store in Philadelphia’s Center City when a man stabbed two security guards, one of whom later died, police said. The violent encounter, triggered by an alleged shoplifting event, has left local authorities and community members deeply shaken.
The incident unfolded around 10:45 a.m., according to Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford. He stated that a man whose identity remains undisclosed was caught allegedly trying to steal multiple hats. On being confronted by store security, the man surrendered the merchandise and left the premises.
However, the accused returned to the store about 15 minutes later, armed with a knife, and launched a brutal attack on the two unarmed security guards. Police stated that both victims were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Despite the prompt action, one of the guards, a 30-year-old man, was pronounced dead at 11:19 a.m. The surviving guard, aged 23, is reportedly in stable condition.
The guards had different tenure levels at the store, with one having worked there for several years and the other for just a few months. Stanford expressed deep sorrow over the senseless attack, pointing out that the guards were merely performing their duties to maintain safety at the store.
Following the incident, the suspect managed to flee but was later apprehended by SEPTA police. Macy’s, in a public statement, said the store would be temporarily closed while the company cooperated with law enforcement investigations, expressing their heartbreak over the tragic event.
Notably, the Macy’s store has seen numerous incidents like this in recent times. Stanford reported that over 250 retail theft incidents have been recorded at this particular location to date this year.