UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 18, at 3:30 P.M.
On Sunday, Dec. 17, Philadelphia police arrested 46-year-old Elias Diaz in connection to the November Pennypack Park slashings.
He is being charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and related offenses.
The original story follows:
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are looking to identify a man wanted in connection to two morning knife attacks in Pennypack Park.
They say the attacks happened late last month between 8 and 9:30 a.m. while people were exercising on the trail.
During both, Inspector Deshawn Beaufort said the suspect, described as a thin male between the ages of 50 and 60, at about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, approached the victims on a Black BMX bicycle.
“And without provocation, on two separate incidents, slashed two victims’ arms and hands during the incident,” Beaufort said.
Police say they learned this week there was almost a third attack the morning of Nov. 25, but the potential victim got away before the man could pull a machete-style knife from his bike.
“He said something to the victim, but they were able to just run away from the male so they were not stabbed,” Beaufort said.
Beaufort says they have increased police security in that area to “ensure that we have no other attacks.”
Police ask if you see this suspect or have any information on him to contact them at 215-686-3153 or submit an anonymous tip here.