Man arrested after knife attack in Kalihi

Man arrested after knife attack in Kalihi

HONOLULU (AP) — A homeless man has been arrested in connection with a knife attack in front of a Kalihi public housing complex that left a victim with wounds to his face and body, police said.

The Honolulu Star Advertiser reports (http://bit.ly/I0XpzU ) that 24-year-old John Posco Sukuruta was being held on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder and on a contempt warrant. His bail was set at $77,000.

Police said Sukuruta approached a 30-year-old man early Thursday in front of the Mayor Wright Homes.

They said Sukuruta cursed at the victim, slashed his cheek twice and stabbed him twice more on the left shoulder before fleeing. The victim, whom they did not identify, had just parked his car and the attack appeared to be unprovoked, authorities said.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where he was in stable condition.

Officers said Sukuruta was found about 45 minutes later on North King Street in Chinatown and identified by witnesses. Police said they found a knife a few feet away from him.

Sukuruta has been convicted previously of misdemeanor theft and criminal property damage.

Police said Thursday’s stabbing was the third to be reported from in front of that housing complex.