A Macy’s security guard was killed and another wounded in a double-stabbing by a man who allegedly tried to steal multiple hats from the Philadelphia department store Monday morning, authorities said.
The guard was fatally knifed about 15 minutes after unarmed security prevented the suspected killer from stealing the merchandise around 10:45 a.m., according to Philadelphia police.
The suspect was allowed to leave following his attempted theft but returned to “immediately” attack one of the guards before redirecting his violent rage toward a second guard.
“Runs directly to that security guard with a knife already exposed and begins to stab him,” Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford Jr. said.
“There’s a scuffle with the second security guard trying to save the first guard that’s stabbed and that security guard sustained several stab wounds as well or slash wounds as well.”
Both guards were rushed to the hospital where one was pronounced dead.
The suspect fled but was later arrested at a Philadelphia subway station.
But the fatal victim was 30-year-old and the injured victim was 23-year-old, according to reports. The names of the victims and suspect have not been released.
“Just a tragic situation right here, few weeks before the holiday. These security officers are just doing their jobs,” he said.
It’s unclear what sparked the alleged stabber to attack the guards after he initially left the store.
The stabbing comes as the City of Brotherly Love struggles with sustained crime, including rampant shoplifting.
Macy’s has faced one of the highest rates of retail theft in City Center, police said. It’s located right across the street from City Hall.
Year-to-date the store has reported more than 250 thefts, Stanford said.
“It is an ongoing situation, an ongoing problem,” he said, stressing it’s a citywide issue that needs to be tackled.
“What started as a retail theft has ended in a homicide here,” he added. “So again it’s still a very important crime that we have to continue to work toward making sure we see a little bit of a decrease in.”
Macy’s said in a statement the store would be closed for now as store officials work with authorities probing the crime.
“We are heartbroken about the tragedy that took place today at Macy’s Center City,” a company spokesperson said, adding. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.”