An off duty Philadelphia police officer witnessed the event and chased after the suspect armed with the knife.
After a brief foot chase the officer tackled the suspect and was able to get the knife from the accused and place him under arrest.
The off duty officer is Officer Somerville from the 35th district. He was on his way home from visiting the family of slain Philadelphia Police Officer John Pawlowski when he saw the stabbing take place.
Officer Somerville demanded the suspect to stop and drop his weapon. However, the suspect ignored Somerville and continued to stab the victim.
The victim was then taken to Temple University Hospital where he later died.
The suspect has been identified as Harold Cooper, 47, from Center City. Cooper faces numerous charges including attempted robbery, aggravated assault and homicide.
Homicide is not yet releasing the name of the victim.
CLICK HERE to follow Action News on Twitter
CLICK HERE to get Action News on your website
CLICK HERE to find Action News on Facebook
