Attack In Riverside Park: Hero Dad Protected 18-Month-Old Son While Being Stabbed

An attack in Riverside Park on Tuesday left five people stabbed and slashed and one 18-month-old boy protected thanks to the bravery of his dad.

A scissors-wielding lunatic took to the park on Tuesday and began attacking people at random. Police have described the attacker as a “deranged homeless man.”

The attacks started at 8am when Julius James Graham stabbed two joggers and a pedestrian. The homeless man then turned his attention to James Fayette and his son, Luke.

The former New York City Ballet dancer realized they were in danger and used his body to shield his 18-month-old son. 49-year-old Thomas Ciriacks realized what was occurring and wrestled the crazed attacker to the ground.

After the attack Ciriacks told the NY Daily News that it was the fathers actions that saved his young son:

“It was absolute mayhem…. This guy was encircling his child, protecting him. He came to this woman’s aid and he had a child to protect…. He’s absolutely a hero.”

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Ciriacks stood on the attackers hands and arms until police arrived at the scene of the gruesome crime.

Police were able to recover the bloody scissors near the scene of the crime.

The first victim, Jessica Lipes, 32, was slashed in the throat and began screaming for help. It was Fayette who drew the attackers attention away from the injured jogger.

According to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, the second jogger, Deanna Koestell, 36, was stabbed in the upper back. Simon & Schuster senior editor Ben Loehnen was stabbed in the stomach.

Graham was charged with five counts of assault for his attack in Riverside Park. He was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest.

All of the victims are expected to make a fully recovery.