Nov. 19--A 54-year-old man has been booked on suspicion of attempted murder after police said he stabbed and wounded a tourist Wednesday near Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
On Thursday, police identified the alleged attacker -- who was detained by two New York police detectives -- as Donald M. Offerman, a Los Angeles resident. Online jail records showed he was being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
The attack was reported at 1:10 p.m. outside Hollywood and Highland, the shopping and entertainment complex popular among tourists. LAPD Cmdr. Andrew Smith said the victim was standing with his family when "suddenly, for no reason," another man approached and began stabbing him with a large kitchen knife.
Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >>
Two NYPD detectives were standing nearby and witnessed part of the attack, then pulled out their weapons and subdued the assailant, Smith said.
The victim was taken to the hospital in stable condition, police said.
The NYPD detectives, Smith said, were visiting L.A. "on official business" for their police department.
"We are extremely happy and grateful that these detectives were not only there but took heroic action to catch this perpetrator and take him into custody," Smith said, adding that they "likely saved the life of the man who was stabbed."
ALSO
STD cases reaching all-time highs in U.S., California
Off-duty pilot's free flight to New York sparks confusion, search at LAX
Three held in fatal shooting of Downey officer during botched robbery, authorities say
