1 security guard killed, another wounded during shoplifting attempt at Center City Philadelphia Macy’s

The confrontation began at the store, located just one block from City Hall at 13th and Market Streets, after an attempt to shoplift was made around 10:45 am, according to Philadelphia police.

Investigators say the male suspect was trying to steal numerous hats before being stopped by security.

Police report that store security recovered the merchandise and subsequently allowed the man to leave the premises. He was said to have then returned around 15 minutes later. He walked towards one before turning his attention towards another and then stabbing the guard with a knife.

The other guard was stabbed several times upon intervening.

One of the victims was pronounced dead at 11:19 am, not long after police had taken both to the hospital.

Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said the guards, who worked at Macy's, were unarmed during the altercation. One had worked at the store for a few years, and the other only a few months, according to police.

The suspect was later arrested and brought to the Somerset station around noon, after assistance in identification by witnesses, according to Stanford. He had originally fled the scene on SEPTA and dropped a knife on the property.

Police did not provide the deceased security guard's name, but said he was 30 years old and had died from a stab wound in his neck.

The other guard is a 23-year-old male, and is in the hospital after he was stabbed in both his left arm and face. He is reported to be in stable condition.

Center City's Macy's store is one of the hardest-hit locations in terms of retail theft; Stanford said the location has filed over 250 reports for retail theft in 2023 alone.

Authorities stated that it is not yet apparent what charges the suspect is facing, according to US News & World Report.