A Macy’s security guard was killed and another injured in a double stabbing by a man who allegedly tried to steal multiple hats from a Philadelphia department store Monday morning, authorities said.
The guard was fatally stabbed about 15 minutes after unarmed security stopped 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 “immediately” attacking one of the guards before directing his violent rage at the second guard.
“Ran right up to the security guard with the knife already exposed and started stabbing him,” Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford Jr. said.
“There was a struggle with the second security guard trying to save the first guard who was stabbed and the security guard also suffered multiple stab wounds or cuts to the throat as well.”
Both guards were rushed to hospital where one was pronounced dead.
A double stabbing happened Monday morning in Philadelphia. Citizen App
The suspect fled but was later arrested at a Philadelphia subway station.
But the deceased was 30 years old and the injured was 23 years old, according to reports. The names of the victims and suspects have not yet been released.
“Just one tragic situation here, a few weeks before the holidays. These security officers are only doing their job,” he said.
It’s unclear what prompted the stabbing to attack the guard after he first left the store.
The stabbing comes as the City of Brotherly Love struggles with ongoing crime, including rampant shoplifting.
Macy’s has faced one of the highest rates of retail theft in the City Center, police said. It is located directly across the street from City Hall.
One of the guards who was stabbed died from his injuries. X/KristenJohanson KYWNewsradio
This year the store has reported more than 250 thefts, Stanford said.
“It’s an ongoing situation, an ongoing problem,” he said, insisting it’s a citywide issue that needs to be addressed.
“What started as a retail theft has ended in a murder here,” he added. “So again it’s still a very significant crime that we have to continue to work on to make sure we see some reduction.”
Macy’s said in a statement that the store will be closed for the time being as store officials cooperate with authorities investigating the crime.
“We are saddened by the tragedy that occurred 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.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
