Michigan State Police sketch
Update: An arrest was made over night for a man believed to be responsible for stabbing 20 victims from Michigan to Virginia. The suspect is currently being held in Atlanta on unrelated charges as investigators begin to put the case against him together… Stay tuned for more.
A nationwide manhunt is underway for a suspect who is targeting and stabbing men. Investigators believe the suspect has attacked victims in Michigan, Virginia, and now Ohio. Out of the 16 attacks in Flint, Michigan, five have died. In Leesburg, Virginia police say that on August 3, 5, and 6th, three more attacks occurred. Chris Jones with the Leesburg Police told me two victims were attacked with a knife and another with a hammer. Over the weekend, yet another man was attacked in Toledo, Ohio. All of the cases have strong similarities and now investigators are looking for a Chevy S-10 Blazer, four-door, dark green with light tan color trim on the bottom. The vehicle has two large dents near the hood and could be a 1995-2000 model.
I spoke with Lt. TP Johnson of the Flint Police Department and he said, “What this guy is doing is driving up to them, getting out of his vehicle, pretending to have car trouble. Or asking for assistance in some way. The victims are guilty of trying to help someone asking for help. In [sic] several occasions he’s walked up and started stabbing.”
In all of the cases in Michigan the victims appear to be smaller-framed black males, and are always alone in the area of Genesee County. Most of the stabbings occur near major roadways and multiple attacks have occurred off Saginaw Street. The attacks happen late at night or in the early morning hours, usually between 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. 10 of the stabbings occurred in Flint with the other three between Flint Township, Burton and Genesee Township.
Lt. TP Johnson confirms the victims are vulnerable, robberies are not taking place and two of the victims were handicapped “This happens so quickly, late at night, it’s dark and we need more information.”
As for the suspect, he’s been described as a muscular white male with a stockier, heavier build and good shoulders. A couple of victims have mentioned he has lighter colored hair, either gray or blonde.
Lt. Johnson said, “We are consulting with forensic psychologists, looking into trying to get into what kind of person does this kind of thing. The local FBI office has offered to assist as well as all of the agencies involved and the state police. We are all working together to get this guy off the streets as soon as possible.”
Leesburg Police issued a statement urging the town to be alert to their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity. Authorities want the public to avoid areas that are abandoned or poorly lighted; when jogging go with a partner, and carry a cell phone with you. It’s also important not to jog with head phones on.
Please contact Crimestoppers with any information.
Suspect's vehicle (Leesburg Police)
Tags: arrest made, Atlanta, Leesburg, manhunt, Michigan, ohio, Serial stabber, Sketch, VA, virginia
