During a stabbing attack on the Las Vegas Strip on Thursday morning, two people were killed and six others were injured, with police announcing late in the day that a suspect had been detained.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated in a statement that one of the victims was pronounced dead at the site, and another at University Medical Center.
Captain Dori Koren of the LVMPD stated at a Thursday press briefing that three of the victims were in severe condition. Koren stated that the other victims “looked to be stable.” Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the LVMPD stated at a press conference later in the afternoon that the victims looked to be a mix of locals and visitors.
Koren stated that police retrieved a “big kitchen knife” from the crime scene.
According to authorities, the stabbings began around 11:40 a.m. local time. The initial incident looked to be unprovoked, according to LVMPD Deputy Chief James LaRochelle. After stabbing the first victim, the perpetrator continued south on Las Vegas Boulevard and stabbed numerous others, according to LaRochelle. LaRochelle stated that the suspect turned a corner and went east, where he was pursued by numerous “concerned citizens.” The guy was subsequently taken into custody by hotel security and LVMPD police.
According to court documents, Yoni Barrios, 32, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on two counts of open murder and six counts of attempted murder. His first appearance in court was set for Friday afternoon.
The suspect did not appear to be a local resident, according to LaRochelle.
The location was secured approximately 1:50 p.m. local time, according to the police. Koren stated that a part of Las Vegas Boulevard remained closed so that police could continue gathering evidence.