Detroit/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on October 11, 2024
73-Year-Old Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Bone-Chilling Knife Attack on Child at Ryan ParkSource: Google Street View

A 73-year-old man from Detroit has been charged with assault with intent to murder after reportedly slashing a young girl's throat. Gary Lansky, accused of the vicious attack, is also facing a charge of felonious assault following the incident at a local park. Lansky was expected to be arraigned yesterday, as Detroit Free Press reported.

On Tuesday afternoon, Detroit police received a call to a home on Stahelin Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered a 7-year-old girl with a knife wound to the throat. She was being given emergency treatment. Prosecutors state that the assault took place in Ryan Park on Detroit's east side, with Lansky fleeing the scene after the attack – a detail confirmed by audacy.

Further reports from CBS News Detroit clarify that the child was treated for her injuries on the spot by emergency personnel. The alleged attack occurred at a park within the 5800 block of Greenview Avenue.

The victim, who is of Arabic descent, recounted her terrifying experience to Detroit Free Press, saying, "He just like came out of nowhere and just like (pulled) the knife on me." Despite the racial background of the victim, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Maria Miller said, "At this time, we have no evidence that supports that this was a hate crime."

Lansky’s mental health has been a subject of his family’s concern. His wife, Linda Lansky, expressed via Facebook the need for many heartful prayers for her husband, alluding to his mental instability. In April, Lansky had reportedly gone missing, leading to public pleas from his wife for prayers about his safety. Police speculate that Lansky might have been experiencing a mental crisis at the time of the incident. According to an interview with Detroit Police Commander Vernal Newson by Detroit Free Press, witnessing children at the park were left "horrified" and "traumatized" following the event. The investigation by Detroit police remains ongoing with further updates awaited.