A 30-year-old man has been accused of murder and other crimes in connection with a fatal stabbing at a Macy’s department store in Philadelphia. The suspect, Tyrone Garcell Tunnell, was initially caught trying to steal several hats from the store. However, he was released after returning the stolen items. Just 15 minutes later, Tunnell returned to the store and stabbed a security guard, identified as 27-year-old Eric Harrison. Another guard, Christian Mitchell, intervened and suffered injuries to his face and arm. Tunnell was later caught at a nearby train station and positively identified by witnesses.
Tunnell now faces a range of charges, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon. Court documents reveal that he has a long criminal record, with numerous arrests for offenses such as theft, robbery, and drug-related crimes across multiple counties.
The Macy’s department store in Center City has been grappling with a significant issue of retail theft, with over 250 reported incidents this year alone, according to Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford. In response to the tragic incident, the store has decided to close temporarily while the police investigation continues.
Dawn Fobbs, the mother of Eric Harrison, expressed her heartbreak over the loss of her son. She described him as an “innocent soul” and criticized the suspect for taking his life over a few hats. Harrison’s death has left a lasting impact on his family, depriving him of the chance to have children and get married.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is now pursuing justice for the victims and their families. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences that can arise from theft and the need for improved security measures to protect both shoppers and employees.