Macy’s store security guard stabbed dead by man trying to steal hats | US News

A security guard was stabbed to death and another was injured at a Macy’s department store by a man who tried to steal hats.

The suspect was caught by guards who confiscated the merchandise, but returned 15 minutes later to the store and allegedly committed the double-stabbing, police said. The botched shoplifting attempt happened around 11am on Monday at Center City Macy’s across the street from Philadelphia City Hall amid the holiday shopping season.

Both unarmed loss prevention employees stabbed with a knife were rushed to Jefferson Hospital, FOX 29 reported. A 30-year-old guard was pronounced dead at the hospital from a stab wound in the neck. The other guard, aged 23, was stabbed in the face and arm.

The suspect fled the store on 13th and Market streets and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) police apprehended him at the Somerset Station in the Kensington neighborhood.

‘Just a tragic situation, a few weeks before the holiday, these security officers are just doing their job, they’re here to make sure that people can come to this location and shop in a safe manner,’ said interim police commissioner John Stanford.

‘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.’

The suspect threw the knife on the platform tracks of the SEPTA Market-Frankford line, police said. The incident caused all passengers to be directed to board from westbound platforms between the 15th and 8th street stations.

No one else was injured in the attack.

The names of the guards and the suspect were not immediately released. The exact charges the suspect faces were not disclosed.

A Macy’s spokesperson said the company was ‘heartbroken’ over the incident.

‘The store will temporarily remain closed as we work with law enforcement on this investigation and defer any further comments about the case to them,’ the spokesperson told NBC 10. ‘Ensuring the safety and well-being of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.’

During the holiday season, the Macy’s is among the most popular attractions in the city.

‘It’s a huge attraction. You hear the music playing in the background,’ Stanford said.

‘It’s very unfortunate to see our city experience this. But again, still encourage people to come to our city. Still encourage people to come and enjoy the city as best as they can.’

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