Additional Coverage:
Two individuals were hospitalized following separate stabbing incidents in broad daylight on New York City’s Upper West Side near Central Park, law enforcement officials reported Thursday.
The first attack occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. near West 84th Street and Central Park West, where a 57-year-old man was unexpectedly stabbed in the back by an assailant approaching from behind.
The suspect then reportedly proceeded north along the park to 86th Street, where he allegedly stabbed a 50-year-old man in the chest.
Both victims were transported to Mount Sinai West hospital and are currently in stable condition, according to police. Additional information about their injuries has not been released.
A witness reported seeing the suspect enter a building on Amsterdam Avenue, several blocks away. Authorities apprehended a person of interest about an hour after the incidents.
At this time, police have not determined a motive for the attacks, nor have they confirmed whether the victims were known to the suspect or if the stabbings were random acts. The investigation remains ongoing.