Philadelphia police have detained Takeira Hester, 29, as a person of interest connected to two disturbing stabbing incidents that occurred on Saturday in Center City. The first incident unfolded around 8 a.m. on the 1300 block of Chancellor Street, where Hester is accused of assaulting a 24-year-old woman, stabbing her twice before fleeing the scene. Hours later, in a shocking turn of events, Hester allegedly approached two infants in a stroller in the Rittenhouse Square area and stabbed a 1-year-old boy in the arm. The attacks have been described by police as random, adding a layer of fear and uncertainty to the community.

Police Response and Investigation

Woman Detained Following Stabbing of Toddler and Woman in Philadelphia
The suspect has been taken into police custody and is tagged as 29-year-old, Takeira Hester

During a news conference, Police Captain Frank Banford provided chilling details of the attacks, noting the abrupt and unprovoked nature of the assaults. “This offender just runs up, quick stab, runs,” Banford explained, highlighting the random and sudden aggression exhibited by the suspect. Both victims were swiftly taken to a local hospital and are reported to be stable. Prior to these incidents, Hester had been arrested on aggravated assault charges and was also wanted in New York City under a similar allegation. Philadelphia authorities are currently investigating Hester’s connections to the area as they work to understand the motives behind these harrowing attacks.