A woman, identified as Kerri Aherne, aged 43, was arrested on Thursday afternoon following an alleged stabbing incident involving a tourist at the iconic Macy's flagship store in New York City. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the incident occurred in a seventh-floor restroom of Macy’s Herald Square location while the victim was changing her infant daughter's diaper.
Reports indicate that Aherne, who hails from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, allegedly stabbed the tourist multiple times, striking her in the back and arm from behind just before 3 p.m. The tourist, visiting from California, was quickly transported to Bellevue Hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition. Fortunately, the infant remained unharmed during the shocking incident.
Following the attack, the victim's husband intervened, disarming Aherne and holding her until police arrived at the scene. The prompt actions of the husband likely prevented further harm, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in public spaces. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that both the victim and her husband are employed by the LASD.
Kerri Aherne now faces serious legal consequences, with charges including two counts of assault, attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. After appearing in court on Friday, she was ordered to be held without bail, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Interestingly, Aherne has a troubled history, having been previously arrested in Massachusetts for making threats against Senator Elizabeth Warren. During police questioning, she disclosed that she has been hospitalized for psychiatric problems, which may provide context for her actions during the incident.
A spokesperson for Macy's expressed their deep sadness regarding the stabbing incident, emphasizing that the safety of customers and employees is their top priority. The spokesperson stated, "We kindly defer any further questions to the local authorities," indicating that ongoing investigations are being managed by law enforcement.
Currently, the NYPD is conducting an investigation into the attack, which appears to be unprovoked. As details emerge, this incident raises concerns about safety in busy retail environments, particularly in major tourist destinations like New York City.
This alarming event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of public spaces and underscores the need for heightened awareness and security measures, especially in areas frequented by tourists.