A fatal stabbing occurred at Macy’s in Philadelphia, resulting in the death of a security guard and injury to another, as confirmed by interim police commissioner John Stanford on Monday.
The incident took place at the department store located in the 1300 block of Market Street in Center City.
The alleged perpetrator, 30-year-old Tyrone Tunnell of Philadelphia, was apprehended at a SEPTA station in Kensington following the attack.
The incident unfolded around 10:45 a.m. when 30-year-old Tyrone Tunnell allegedly attempted to steal multiple hats from the store.
After being stopped by security and a confrontation, security guards managed to recover the merchandise. Tunnell left but returned 15 minutes later.
Upon his return, Tunnell approached one security guard and then ran at another with a knife, stabbing the second guard.
The other guard intervened to help, sustaining multiple slash and stab wounds, as outlined by interim police commissioner John Stanford.
Both security guards were transported to Jefferson University Hospital, where the 30-year-old guard succumbed to the injuries.
The 23-year-old guard suffered stab wounds to his face and left arm.
Interim police commissioner John Stanford expressed the tragedy of the situation, emphasizing the security officers’ dedication to their job just weeks before the holiday.
Tyrone Tunnell, with a history of retail theft convictions in Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties, fled on the Market-Frankford Line and was subsequently apprehended at SEPTA’s Somerset Station.
Denise Shaw, a witness inside Macy’s, described the sudden evacuation announcement by a store employee.
Market Street and an eastbound entrance to the Market-Frankford Line were briefly closed. Shoppers, like Jennifer Funk, visiting for the Christmas Village and Macy’s holiday windows, expressed shock and disbelief upon learning about the incident.
Funk highlighted the tragic nature of the situation, emphasizing the gravity of ending a life over a stolen item.
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Charges Loom for Macy’s Stabbing Suspect, Tyrone Tunnel
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office anticipates charging the suspect with murder and aggravated assault the next day.
Philadelphia police are overseeing the investigation. Macy’s expressed heartbreak over the incident at its Center City store, announcing temporary closure to collaborate with law enforcement.
The company defers additional comments on the case to the authorities, emphasizing the paramount importance of customer and colleague safety.
Over 250 retail theft reports have been made to the Center City Macy’s, according to the police, so far this year.
Following the stabbing, the department store was closed for the rest of the day on Monday. When the store will reopen is unknown.
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