San Diego Police are investigating after a man stole another man's mobility cane and used it to attack its owner, a 72-year-old blind man, Tuesday evening in Mission Valley's busy shopping district, according to San Diego Police Officer John Buttle.
The suspect, who was later identified as 35-year-old James Anthony Thomas, then stabbed two good Samaritans who saw the altercation and intervened at the intersection of Camino de la Reina and Camino del Este, police said.
The couple, a man and a woman, were struck with a sharp object, leaving the woman with multiple puncture wounds in her back, Officer Buttle said.
Her husband as well as the blind man were also stabbed during the unprovoked attack. All three victims were stabbed in various locations, including to the head, upper torso, arms and shoulders, police said.
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The victims' injuries were so severe, that homicide detectives responded to the scene. After being treated for their wounds, all three victims are expected to survive.
After the attack, Thomas, who appeared to be a transient male, went up the street, turned onto the San Diego River Trail and simply sat down, investigators said.
Police were able to arrest him without any struggle. He has since been booked into the George Bailey Detention Facility and faces three counts of attempted murder. SDPD said Thomas had an outstanding felony warrant at the time of his arrest.
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Both San Diego Police Department and San Diego Fire Department responded to the incident.
SDPD's Eastern Division Detectives are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the division at (858) 495-7900 or submit an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
This is a developing story. Check back at NBC 7 San Diego for more details.
