Man Returned to Macy's 15 Minutes After Shoplifting Attempt and Fatally Stabbed Security Guard: Police

Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford said the suspect fled the scene and was later arrested by SEPTA police

One security guard is dead and another wounded after an alleged shoplifter stabbed them at the Macy’s department store in Philadelphia’s Center City on Monday morning, authorities said.

Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford said at a press conference streamed by Fox 29 that the attack happened around 11 a.m. after an attempted shoplifting incident.

According to Stanford, the male suspect, whose name has not been released by police, was spotted by security guards allegedly stealing multiple hats around 10:45 a.m. After a confrontation, the suspect gave up the merchandise and left the store.

About 15 minutes later, the man returned to the department store armed with a knife and attacked the two security guards, both of whom were unarmed, Stanford said.

According to police, both guards were taken to a local hospital, where one, identified only as a 30-year-old man, was pronounced dead at 11:19 a.m., Fox 29, 6abc and NBC10 report. The second guard, a 23-year-old man, was reportedly in stable condition.

Stanford said one of the victims has been working at the department store for a few years and the other for a few months.

"Just a tragic situation, a few weeks before the holiday, these security officers are just doing their job,” Stanford told reporters, according to Fox 29. “They’re here to make sure people can come to this location and shop in a safe manner.”

Police said the suspect fled the scene and was later arrested by SEPTA police.

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In a statement obtained by 6abc, a Macy’s spokesperson said the company is “heartbroken about the incident,” adding that the store will be temporarily closed as they cooperate with police on the investigation.

Stanford said at the press conference that retail thefts at the Center City Macy’s store are not uncommon.

"Just year to date, they have over 250 reports of retail theft at this location,” he said. “So it is an ongoing situation.”

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