A fatal stabbing at a Macy’s department store in Center City, Philadelphia, resulted in the death of one security guard and injuries to another.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 4, 2023, beginning shortly before 11 a.m. Tyrone Tunnell, 30, attempted to steal hats from the Macy’s store. Security personnel intervened, leading to a confrontation. The security team managed to retrieve the stolen items, allowing the suspect to leave the building.
About 15 minutes later, Tunnell returned to the store. Armed with a knife, he attacked two security guards. The first victim, 27-year-old Eric Harrison, sustained a fatal stab wound to the neck and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:19 am. The second guard, Christian Mitchell, 23, suffered stab wounds to his face and arm. He was hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition.
Following the assault, the suspect fled the scene on a SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) train. SEPTA cameras picked him up, and he was apprehended by police around noon at a nearby train station. Prior to his capture, he attempted to dispose of the murder weapon on the SEPTA tracks, which was picked up on the surveillance video.
The Philadelphia Police Department, led by Interim Commissioner John Stanford, confirmed that the security guards were employed by Macy’s and were not carrying weapons at the time of the incident. Stanford described the event as deeply distressing, especially considering its occurrence close to the holiday season, a period when security personnel play a crucial role in ensuring public safety.
The Macy’s store, a well-known retail location in Philadelphia, has faced significant challenges with retail theft, reporting over 250 incidents in the current year alone.
In response to the tragedy, Macy’s released a statement expressing their commitment to the safety and well-being of customers and colleagues. The store was temporarily closed following the incident to assist in the police investigation.
Tunnell has been charged with murder and is being held without bail. Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the stabbing.