An employee at an Eastpointe McDonald's restaurant is accused of fatally stabbing a co-worker Thursday morning after an argument, police said. 

The family has identified the victim as 39-year-old Jennifer Harris, a mother of six. 

The incident happened around 8 a.m. Thursday at the McDonald's in the 17900 block of 9 Mile Road in Eastpointe. 

Police say Harris, who was the shift manager, and another employee, identified as a 26-year-old woman, got into an argument earlier in the day, and that Harris sent the suspect home early. That employee later returned to the restaurant with a knife and mask and allegedly stabbed Harris. 

A customer in the drive-thru with a gun who witnessed the stabbing fired a shot in an attempt to stop the assault, police said. No one was hit by the bullet. The suspect attempted to run away from the scene but was detained by the witness. Eastpointe police later arrested the suspect. 

"The suspect stopped stabbing the victim. She dropped the knife and started running away. The good Samaritan actually showed courage by running after the suspect and was able to detain her until officers arrived," said Eastpointe Police Detective Lt. Alexander Holish.

Harris was taken to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries. 

The victim's eldest daughter, Antonia Griffin, says she and her siblings had previously met the suspect as one of her mother's co-workers. 

"She was so good to everybody; a hard-working woman. My momma was even good to her," Griffin said. "We met the lady and everything. I don't understand why she had to kill her."

"I'm shocked. I couldn't believe it. I was devastated," said co-worker Kelly McAlpine. "I never would have thought something like this was going to happen there."

Yusef Alcodray, the local owner and operator of the Eastpointe McDonald's, released the following statement: 

 "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the victim's family and loved ones. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in my restaurants, and we are taking this matter extremely serious, as the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the restaurant will remain closed until further notice."

An investigation is ongoing. The Macomb County prosecutors will review the case and determine charges. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Eastpointe police at 586-445-9415.