A terrifying scene unfolded outside the Westfield Topanga mall in Canoga Park, California, when a man allegedly tried to snatch a 2-year-old child and ended up stabbing the child’s mother in a violent attack.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21. The mother, who has not been publicly identified, was walking with her toddler when the suspect — later identified as 29-year-old Shayne Suffern — allegedly approached her and demanded, “Give me back my baby,” per KTLA 5 and CBS News.
Witnesses told reporters that Suffern then pulled an AR-15 rifle out of a backpack and attempted to fire, but the weapon jammed. The mother grabbed her child and ran, but Suffern allegedly chased her down and stabbed her in the shoulder. Injured and terrified, the woman managed to escape into a nearby Cheesecake Factory, where bystanders rushed to help her.
Police say Suffern fled the scene but was tracked down and arrested shortly after. Officers reportedly recovered an AR-15-style rifle, ammunition, and a knife from his vehicle. Suffern has been charged with attempted murder and is being held on a $5.25 million bail, according to Los Angeles County booking records. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 25.
Authorities confirmed that the victim and suspect had no connection. She was taken to a local hospital and is now in fair condition, according to the LAPD.
In an interview with NBC Los Angeles, Suffern’s father revealed that his son is an Army veteran struggling with mental illness. “Me and my wife, we sort of felt it was a matter of time before we got this call,” he said. “I’m just praying for the woman’s speedy recovery. I am so sorry and ashamed of what has happened.”
The investigation is ongoing as police continue to piece together what led to the shocking daytime attack.
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Author: thedailycrime1
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