A man accused of stabbing a Philadelphia park ranger on Sunday has been charged with ethnic intimidation, police said.
The suspect — 34-year-old Thomas Riceman — also faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and terroristic threats, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department told ABC News.
Thomas Riceman, 34, is seen in this undated booking photo.
Philadelphia Police Department
Police said they responded to reports of an assault Sunday afternoon in Rittenhouse Square, where they found the victim in the park’s security booth suffering from multiple stab wounds.
The victim, who had been working inside the security booth, told police the suspect had entered the booth and laid down before the alleged attack.
When the victim asked the suspect to leave, the suspect “suddenly attacked,” stabbing the victim in the face and head with scissors, police said.
According to police, the ethnic intimidation charge was filed because the suspect allegedly told the park ranger to “go back to his own country.”
Despite being injured, police said the victim managed to handcuff the suspect and hold him until police arrived.
The victim was transported to a hospital, where police said he was last listed as being in stable condition.
ABC News wasn’t immediately able to determine if the suspect had retained legal counsel.
A Philadelphia park ranger was allegedly stabbed by a man who has been charged with ethnic intimidation, sparking outrage and concern in the community. The incident occurred in a city park where the ranger was patrolling, ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors.
According to reports, the suspect approached the park ranger and began making derogatory and racially charged remarks towards him. The situation quickly escalated, leading to the suspect allegedly pulling out a knife and stabbing the ranger multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The park ranger was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for his injuries. He is currently in stable condition, but the incident has left many in shock and disbelief.
The suspect, who has been identified as a 35-year-old man with a history of violent behavior, was apprehended by authorities shortly after the attack. He has been charged with ethnic intimidation, aggravated assault, and other related offenses.
This disturbing incident has raised concerns about the safety of park rangers and other public servants who work tirelessly to protect and serve their communities. It also highlights the ongoing issue of hate crimes and discrimination that continue to plague society.
In response to the attack, city officials have condemned the actions of the suspect and have vowed to take swift and decisive action to ensure that justice is served. They have also called for increased security measures in city parks to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The Philadelphia park ranger community has come together to show support for their colleague and to denounce hate and violence in all its forms. They are calling for unity and solidarity in the face of such senseless acts of aggression.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of standing up against hate and intolerance. It is crucial that we come together as a community to support those who have been affected by such acts and to work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
