Two Cut in Center City Attacks

Suspect ID'd as Kyle Stephens, 26. He has been arrested.

[Update 9:45 a.m.] Police say they’ve identified the suspect in the attacks as Kyle Stephens, 26, seen above. His last known address was a homeless shelter in the 1200 block of Race Street. Investigators said Wednesday morning that Stephens has been arrested.

[Original 8:15 a.m.]

Two people were cut in attacks early Tuesday in Center City. Police say both attacks appear to have been committed by the same man.

The first encounter took place at 5:29 a.m. in the 2300 block of Walnut Street. The victim was jogging east when he passed the suspect, walking westbound. The suspect yelled at the victim, then charged and knocked him to the ground while thrusting a three-inch blade at him. A worker in a nearby building scared away the suspect; the victim was treated at Hahnemann Hospital for three superficial puncture wounds — two in his right arm and one on his back — and released.

A few minutes later, at 5:46 a.m., a second victim was walking southbound in the 100 block of North 21st Street when he encountered the suspect walking northbound. The suspect yelled obscenities at the second victim, who continued southbound — the suspect then came up behind the victim and sliced his face with an unknown object. The suspect fled on foot toward Cherry Street; the victim was treated at Hahnemann and released.

Police say the attacker is a black male with a beard and a mustache, in his late twenties or early thirties, 6’2” in height, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with a dark jacket and dark hat. He was carrying a white bag with black letters.

If you see the suspect, call 911, or call in a tip to 215.686.8477. Tips can also be texted to PPD TIP, or 773847.