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PHILADELPHIA — A tragic stabbing incident at Macy’s in Center City Philadelphia left one security guard dead and another injured, as announced by interim police commissioner John Stanford. The attack occurred at the department store located on the 1300 block of Market Street.
The suspect, 30-year-old Tyrone Tunnell of Philadelphia, was apprehended at a SEPTA station in Kensington following the incident. The confrontation started around 10:45 a.m. when Tunnell allegedly attempted to steal multiple hats. Security guards intervened, retrieved the merchandise, and allowed Tunnell to leave.
However, Tunnell returned approximately 15 minutes later and attacked the guards. He initially approached one guard but then assaulted another with a knife, causing multiple stab wounds. Both guards were rushed to Jefferson University Hospital, where 27-year-old Eric Harrison succumbed to his injuries. The other guard sustained injuries to his face and left arm.
Stanford expressed his condolences, describing the situation as tragic, especially so close to the holiday season. Tunnell, who has a criminal record for retail theft, was later arrested at SEPTA’s Somerset Station.
Witnesses inside the store, like Denise Shaw, were instructed to evacuate immediately. The incident led to temporary closures on Market Street and the Market-Frankford Line entrance.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office indicated that Tunnell would likely face charges of murder and aggravated assault. Macy’s issued a statement expressing their heartbreak over the incident and their cooperation with law enforcement.
The Center City Macy’s has reported over 250 retail theft incidents this year. The store closed for the remainder of the day following the stabbing, with no clear indication of when it will reopen.
