A person of interest is being questioned after at least five people were stabbed at random throughout New York City over the course of nine days.
Three of the incidents occurred Wednesday morning in Springfield Gardens. Additional attacks were conducted on Tuesday, January 8.
“We have an unidentified person wandering around the street, randomly stabbing people with a hunting knife. “There is no connection between individuals, and it appears to be unprovoked,” NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell stated.
According to police sources, the suspect committed some of the offenses while wearing a lanyard around his neck with his work ID attached.
Currently, no charges have been filed.
According to authorities, the stabbing spree began on January 8. At 6:20 p.m., a 61-year-old male was stabbed in the lower back at 137th Avenue and 157th Street.
“In this incident, the suspect actually laughed in the victim’s face after stabbing him,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated.
A 34-year-old woman was stabbed on her way home from work on Tuesday, near 158th Street and 134th Avenue.
“A male suddenly ran up behind her, and she describes being punched in the back, but she soon realizes that she was stabbed in her right side,” she said. “She describes him speaking gibberish to himself.”
On Wednesday morning, two stabbings occurred near Guy Brewer Boulevard and 134th Avenue. The victims were a 41-year-old and a 74-year-old guy. Bruce An, the owner of a nearby dry cleaning service, assisted the older victim.
“Around 7:30 a.m., one old guy walked in the store, and he needed help,” he added. “I picked up the phone and dialed 911…” Later, the cops came in and unbuttoned his jacket, revealing a lot of blood on his clothes. “And then the ambulance arrived.”
The sixth and final incident occurred at Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue. The victim got into a fight with the suspect over a seat on the bus. The two then exited the bus, and the suspect stabbed the victim.
Police are investigating similar crimes in Brooklyn. On Wednesday, a 28-year-old man on a J subway train was attacked by a man who authorities believe matched the description in the Queens cases.
All of those attacked are expected to survive.
Police say a recent stabbing on a J train in Williamsburg is not linked to this person of interest, but they are investigating.