A fight between two men on a busy commercial street in Manhattan escalated into a bloody scene when one slashed the other, horrifying bystanders during the evening rush Thursday, then fled, police and witnesses say.
Witnesses say they saw two men arguing on a sidewalk in the area of West 29th Street and Seventh Avenue, and the fight quickly escalated. One of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed the other, witnesses said.
Police say the suspect had jumped out from two parked cars to attack the 27-year-old victim but it's not clear if they knew each other. The suspect repeatedly slashed him in the face, arms and back, according to police.
"They kind of grab each other for a little bit and they tussled," said Juan Escalante. "The victim got a few punches in. They both got a few punches in. He got sliced right here on his ribs and on his forearm."
The suspect ran off on Seventh Avenue, and bystanders rushed to help the bleeding victim as they called 911 and awaited police and EMS.
"He had blood everywhere," said Escalante. "Surprisingly, he was holding up pretty well."
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The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he's listed in serious but stable condition.
Police say they're still searching for the suspect, described as being in his mid to late 20s, about 6 feet 6, and last seen wearing a blue shirt, red sneakers and black gloves.
