Two men were stabbed early Thursday in Hell's Kitchen, sending both to the hospital and kicking off an overnight police sweep just off Times Square. The block on Eighth Avenue, right by the theater district, was suddenly flooded with emergency lights in the minutes after the attack.
According to ABC7 New York, the violence broke out shortly after 1:45 a.m. on Eighth Avenue near West 46th Street. Police told the outlet that a 28-year-old man was stabbed twice in the back and a 31-year-old man suffered a separate stab wound to the back. Both were taken to Bellevue Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
Investigators said two male suspects took off heading west on West 46th Street. One was described as wearing a white tank top and having dreadlocks, while the other was said to be in a white shirt and blue jeans. As of now, no arrests have been announced, and detectives are still working to piece together what sparked the confrontation.
Police Response And Recent Knife Violence
The corner sits within the NYPD's Midtown coverage area and falls under the city's mapped precinct boundaries, according to the department's online directory (NYPD precincts). Officers have been canvassing nearby businesses and reviewing security camera footage, looking for clearer images of the suspects and the moments leading up to the stabbings.
The attack arrives on the heels of a worrying series of knife incidents in the area. In one particularly disturbing case, an April double stabbing outside a Hell's Kitchen shelter left one man dead and rattled neighbors who were already on edge.
How To Help Investigators
Police are asking anyone who might have information, cell phone video, or surveillance footage from nearby buildings to step forward. Tips can be shared with NYPD Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS or by submitting an anonymous message through the program's website (NYPD Crime Stoppers).
The Crime Stoppers program notes that tipsters are not asked for their names and may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest and indictment.
