In a shocking incident on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, a suspect has been apprehended following a daytime stabbing spree that left two individuals injured, authorities reported on Thursday.
Witnesses and the victims have recounted hearing the suspect shout “Allahu Akbar” during the attacks, shared NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. She mentioned that the police force is investigating whether these acts constitute a hate crime.
The initial attack targeted a 57-year-old Asian man, who was stabbed in the torso near the intersection of West 84th Street and Central Park West, officials detailed.
Shortly thereafter, a 50-year-old Jewish man was assaulted near West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, police noted in their report.
Both victims were swiftly transported to hospital facilities where they are reported to be in stable condition and are expected to recover fully, according to Commissioner Tisch.
The suspect — 51-year-old Raul Morales — was arrested in connection with both assaults, Tisch said. He was taken into custody on the Upper West Side, near West 88th Street and Amsterdam