Sheriff employee stabbed while changing her baby in Macy’s bathroom

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employee vacationing in New York City was stabbed inside a Macy’s bathroom while she was changing her 9-month-old daughter’s diaper on Thursday, police said.

The woman and her husband were shopping with their baby in Herald Square before stopping in the West 34th Street Macy’s restroom at 3:15 p.m. A homeless woman identified by police as Kerri Aherne, 43, lunged at the mother inside the bathroom, stabbing her in the back several times and slashing her arm, NYPD Sgt. Kevin Sheehan said.

The woman’s baby was not hurt. The two women did not know each other and there was no prior interaction or dispute, Sheehan said.

The victim’s husband, who was nearby and heard the disturbance, rushed into the restroom and restrained the assailant until officers arrived, Sheehan said. The victim’s husband is also a LASD employee, according to a statement from the department. Their specific roles were not disclosed.

Paramedics took the woman to Bellevue Hospital, where she was treated and is expected to survive, according to Sheehan.

The knife used in the attack was recovered at the scene, police said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with my employees and their family during this very traumatic event,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “I am grateful that they are safe and receiving the care and support they need. I want to thank the NYPD first responders who acted swiftly to bring the suspect into custody.”

Macy’s confirmed the incident in a statement Friday.

“We are deeply saddened about the incident that took place today, as the safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority,” a company spokesperson said.