Montgomery Township Police. Photo by James Short.
Police say suspects carried security tag removers and fled store without paying
Two Philadelphia residents face felony retail theft and related charges after police said they attempted to steal hundreds of dollars in merchandise from a Macy’s store at Montgomery Mall in Montgomery Township before one suspect fled on foot.
Shaakiyrah Naimah Bey, aka Shaakera Bey, 34, of the 1800 block of South 23rd Street, and Joseph Julius Knight, 36, of the 2600 block of Watkins Street, were each charged following an incident reported around 12:50 p.m. Dec. 10, 2025 at the Macy’s located at 804 Bethlehem Pike, police said.
According to the affidavits of probable cause, Macy’s asset protection personnel reported the pair concealing merchandise and passing all points of sale without paying.
Police alleged Bey selected about $435 worth of merchandise, while Knight allegedly selected about $600 worth. When store staff attempted to stop them, both suspects initially refused to remain at the store.
Police said officers located the pair entering a vehicle in the mall parking lot and attempted a traffic stop. Knight complied with police commands, but Bey allegedly fled on foot toward the Wegmans area before being taken into custody following a brief pursuit.
Investigators said searches incident to arrest revealed multiple magnetic security tag removers and related tools. Police also alleged Knight was found in possession of buprenorphine/naloxone, resulting in an additional drug charge.
Bey is charged with felony retail theft, misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime, and misdemeanor evading arrest or detention on foot. Knight faces felony retail theft, misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime, and misdemeanor drug possession, according to court documents.
Macy’s indicated it intended to prosecute, police said, and video and photographic evidence was provided to investigators.
Knight is jailed on 10% of $5,077 cash bail, which includes a probation detainer. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 13 before Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy.
Bey is free on 10% of $5,000 cash bail, according to court records, and will share her hearing with Knight.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
