Philadelphia, PA – Police are searching for an unidentified suspect who carried out a series of random machete attacks in Pennypack Park, a popular recreational area in Northeast Philadelphia. The attacks, which occurred in November, left two individuals injured. Inspector Deshawn Beaufort of the police department said the victims’ injuries were not life-threatening.
As part of a news conference, Beaufort expressed concern over the random nature of the violence, which has prompted an increase in police presence in the park. He stated that the attacker targeted people without any provocation, indiscriminately attempting to stab them while they were on the park’s trail.
The first incident took place on November 22 at 8:15 a.m. A runner alerted a bicyclist about their presence, only to be met with a vicious machete attack. The victim sustained cuts to their arms and hands. The second attack occurred on November 24 around 9 a.m., when the suspect also slashed a park-goer walking with a companion.
Both victims were promptly hospitalized, but the current status of their conditions is unknown.
On November 25, a pedestrian walking in the park reported an encounter with an individual matching the suspect’s description. The victim stated that the suspect yelled at her and attempted to retrieve an unknown object from his bicycle. The pedestrian managed to flee the scene, but detectives found the incident significant as they believed the suspect had a machete-style knife attached to his bike.
The suspect is described as a Latino man with a medium complexion, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighing about 180 pounds. He is believed to be in his 40s, 50s, or possibly even his 60s. During the attacks, he was wearing a black hoodie and all-black clothing while riding a black BMX bicycle.
Inspector Beaufort issued a warning to the public, advising against approaching the suspect and urging anyone with information to contact the police immediately. “I recommend that you do not attempt to approach this male,” he said. “Call us immediately.” The investigation into these random machete attacks remains ongoing.