Security Guard Killed in Horrifying Incident at Macy’s Store

(USNewsBreak.com) – Incidences of retail theft have risen over the past few years, with stores in major cities falling victim to flash mobs and individual thieves. In fact, many retailers have stepped up police and security presences in these locations to deter would-be criminals. However, in Philadelphia, a recent theft attempt turned deadly.

On the morning of Monday, December 4, around 10:45 a.m., a man allegedly tried to steal a few hats from a Macy’s department store in Center City, Philadelphia. When security guards approached him, a confrontation ensued, but they were able to retrieve the goods, and they let him go. The decision proved deadly, though, because just 15 minutes later, he returned to the store and allegedly attacked the guards with a knife.

He allegedly stabbed one of the guards, a 23-year-old man, in the face and arm, and first responders took him to a hospital where he was in stable condition. Sadly, the assailant stabbed the second guard, 27-year-old Eric Harrison, in the neck, and he died from his injuries just over a half hour after the initial confrontation.

DEVELOPING: One security guard was killed and another was injured in a stabbing attack at a Macy's department store in Philadelphia, authorities said. https://t.co/LVNEbILNak

— ABC News (@ABC) December 4, 2023

Police initially withheld the suspect’s name but later revealed him as 30-year-old Tyrone Garcell Tunnell. Authorities took him into custody, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office charged him with attempted murder, murder, and other offenses.

This incident wasn’t the first time authorities arrested Tunnell. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, police have taken him into custody more than a dozen times dating back to 2010. He faced charges earlier this year on another theft case, and authorities in New Jersey currently consider him a fugitive from justice for a crime he committed there.

Retail theft incidents in Philadelphia have skyrocketed by 29% in 2023 and by 50% the year prior, according to police data reported by Axios.