1 Dead, 1 Seriously Hurt in Shopping Center Attack

Authorities say a homeless man stabbed one man to death and seriously injured another during an altercation at a northern New Jersey shopping center.

Clifton police say that charges are pending against 61-year-old Henry Werner. The attack is being investigated as a homicide.

The altercation occurred around 7:25 a.m. Monday at the Richfield Shopping Center in Clifton. 

Authorities say the two victims, both Clifton residents, were walking in the parking lot when they were approached by Werner, who had a knife. Werner allegedly stabbed a 67-year-old man, then attacked an 81-year-old man who came to the victim's aid.

A laundromat employee says she ran out and saw Werner being handcuffed while the victims lay on the ground.

"The 81-year-old was just bleeding profusely from his middle section," said Debbie Roon. The other man was on the ground, "bleeding beyond belief." 

Both victims were taken to a hospital, where the 67-year-old died a short time later. The 81-year-old was in serious condition.

An off-duty Nutley police officer who was in the area disarmed and restrained Werner.

Werner was known to regulars at the shopping center as Hank.

"In the five years I've been here, we've never had a problem with Hank," said Roon. "He's been very respectful."

-- Roseanne Colletti contributed to this report. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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