A California woman visiting New York City has been brutally stabbed inside Macy’s flagship store in what police described as a seemingly unprovoked attack.
The stabbing took place at Macy’s Herald Square, which is the world’s largest department store and backdrop for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The 38-year-old victim, who works as a civilian for the sheriff’s office in Jurupa Valley, was attacked while changing her 10-month-old baby’s diaper in a seventh-floor restroom, authorities said.
Her husband, a sheriff, was near by and managed to disarm the attacker and hold her until officers arrived, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News. The New York Post reported that the attacker was a homeless person.
The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to her back and shoulder, as well as a cut on her right arm. She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where she remains in stable condition.
The baby was not injured.
Police identified the suspect as Kerri Aherne, 43, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts. She was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault with a weapon, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Aherne is expected to appear in court Friday.
Police say a visiting California woman was the victim of a brutal, unprovoked stabbing at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square
Macy’s Herald Square is the headquarters for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
Officers responded to Macy’s flagship store around 3pm after receiving reports of an assault in progress amid the packed holiday shopping crowds. A suspected motive for the attack has not been disclosed.
A Macy’s spokesperson said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened about the incident that took place today as the safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority. We kindly defer any further questions to the local authorities.’
Shopper Oscar DeCastro, who was inside the store with his family, told CBS News the stabbing was ‘very scary’ and urged others to stay alert.
The investigation is ongoing.