Seattle police have arrested a suspect linked to six “random” stabbings across four locations, culminating in an attack on five people in the Chinatown-International District on Friday afternoon. Officers initially responded to the incident as a mass casualty event due to the number of victims.
The latest stabbing spree unfolded around 1 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the 1200 block of South Jackson Street. The suspect, now in custody, is believed to be responsible for several recent stabbings in the area. Seattle Police reported that four victims were taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, with a fifth treated and released at the scene. As of Friday evening, two victims remain in critical condition, while others are improving.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the violence, calling the attacks “horrific” and expressing gratitude for the quick response by first responders. “The stabbings in Little Saigon and the Chinatown-International District are appalling, and shouldn’t occur anywhere in our city,” Harrell stated. “I am committed to enhancing safety in these communities for all residents, workers, and visitors.”
Ongoing Investigation and Increased Safety Measures
The suspect’s possible involvement in additional incidents remains under investigation, with Seattle Police Deputy Chief Eric Barden noting the unusual nature of the spree. “This appears to be one individual committing random assaults over a 38-hour period,” he said. Barden added that, in total, 10 people—nine men and one woman—have been injured in the CID area within 48 hours.
The assaults began early Thursday morning with the stabbing of a 52-year-old woman near 12th Avenue South and South King Street. Over the next day and a half, a series of stabbings unfolded, injuring victims ranging in age and severity of wounds. One incident also involved an attempted vehicle break-in, during which the suspect allegedly attempted to stab a 60-year-old man inside his car.
Arrest and Timeline of Events
The arrest followed a coordinated search effort that spanned several hours and involved multiple locations. Police detained a 34-year-old man near an abandoned building at 10th Avenue South and South Jackson Street, where he was found carrying a knife. He was initially booked on an unrelated warrant.
Police are now working to verify if this suspect is connected to all six attacks.
