Philadelphia Macy's retail theft turns deadly, 2 security guards stabbed
Security guards at Philadelphia Macy's stabbed after retail theft
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Macy’s store in Philadelphia, where an apparent shoplifter stabbed two security guards, killing one, is now the site of a criminal investigation.
"The store will temporarily remain closed as we work with law enforcement on this investigation," a Macy’s spokesperson told FOX Business, adding that the company is heartbroken over the incident that unfolded at Macy’s Center City on Monday.
Macy’s didn’t specify how long the store would remain closed, and deferred further comment to law enforcement.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Both security guards were rushed to Jefferson Hospital. One victim, identified as a 30-year-old male, was stabbed in the neck and was later pronounced dead, according to police.
Crime scene tape can be seen surrounding the doors of Philadelphia's Macy's store, which is right across the street from City Hall. (FOX 29 Philadelphia/@KeeleyFox29 Twitter)
The other worker, a 23-year-old male, is currently being treated for his injuries after being stabbed in the neck and face, according to police. He is in stable condition.
The stabbing took place inside just after 11 a.m. Monday, police said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The suspect boarded a SEPTA train after the stabbing, transit police said. He was arrested at the Somerset Station by SEPTA police, according to the Philadelphia Police Department, which is leading the investigation.
Police at the scene said the incident began about 15 minutes before they were called, when a man tried to steal some hats. Security guards at the store got into a confrontation with him, retrieved the merchandise and let him go on his way. That same man is accused of returning and attacking the guards.
INFANT ABDUCTED OUTSIDE DELAWARE 7-ELEVEN FOUND ALIVE AT PHILADELPHIA LIQUOR STORE
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"When the male comes back into store, he immediately goes straight toward 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 couple with the second security guard trying to save the first guard that's stabbed, and that security guard sustains several stab wounds, as well."
Philadelphia police say the confrontation between a man and security guards started about 15 minutes before they were called to the scene. (WTXF)
The Philadelphia Macy's is closed after the stabbings, and has reported high levels of retail theft this year, police said. (WTXF)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Stafford said one of the security guards had only been working at Macy's for a few months. The commissioner noted that they were hired by Macy's and were not armed.
Macy’s
The store, located across the street from City Hall in Center City, has seen high levels of retail theft this year, with 250 incidents reported to police. It is currently closed, and any future announcements will come from the company, police said.