A tragedy unfolded at a Macy's store in Center City Philadelphia on Monday, when a security guard was fatally stabbed while carrying out his duties. The victim, 27-year-old Eric Harrison, was described by his mother as an "innocent soul" with a strong work ethic and a dry sense of humor. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when Harrison confronted a shoplifter attempting to steal hats. While successfully retrieving the stolen merchandise, the suspect returned with a knife, resulting in the fatal stabbing of Harrison and the injury of a coworker.

The suspect, identified as Tunnell, has a lengthy criminal record, having been previously arrested more than a dozen times for offenses including retail theft, robbery, and drug-related charges in various regions, including Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. As a result of the attack, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has charged him with Murder, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Possession of an Instrument of Crime, Tampering with Evidence, and Retail Theft.

Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford addressed the media during a news conference, highlighting how the incident started as a retail theft but escalated to a robbery and ultimately ended in a homicide. The devastating loss of Harrison, described as a Frankford High School graduate and a proud Philadelphia native, has left his mother and three younger sisters heartbroken.

Harrison's mother, who also works in retail as a store manager, acknowledges the risks associated with the profession but expressed that this attack was completely senseless. She expressed her gratitude towards Christian Mitchell, the coworker who bravely stepped in to protect her son, sustaining injuries in the process. Mitchell was slashed in the face and stabbed in the arm while trying to intervene.

The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those working in security and retail. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Eric Harrison, an innocent soul taken away while diligently performing his duty.