The man accused of a stabbing spree at New York City's Penn Station on Sunday night had previously been arrested for a similar attack in New Jersey, according to court records.
Suspect identified
Hector Deleon, 51, allegedly slashed five people at the busy commuter hub on June 7, 2026. The attack occurred just a day before thousands of basketball fans were expected at Game 3 of the NBA finals at nearby Madison Square Garden.
All victims were men over the age of 30 and believed to be innocent bystanders. One suffered serious wounds, two had moderate injuries, and two sustained minor injuries. One victim was slashed on the cheek, while another had cuts on his neck.
Amtrak police quickly arrested Deleon. According to the New York Post, citing police sources, he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. During the arrest, Deleon reportedly fought with officers and had to be sedated before being taken to a local hospital in an ambulance. As of Monday afternoon, he remained hospitalized and had not been charged.
Prior criminal record
The homeless man has a history of legal troubles. In 2022, he was arrested for stabbing a man in the neck with a six-inch blade in Newark, New Jersey. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced to two years of probation. The victim required nine stitches to close the wound on the left side of his neck, according to a criminal complaint.
Deleon has been arrested at least seven times on charges including aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, drug possession, assault, domestic assault, and criminal mischief. Two weeks before the Penn Station attack, he was arrested in Long Branch, New Jersey, for theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Blood and used medical items remained at the scene of the stabbing on June 7, 2026, as captured in a photograph by Adam Gray for Getty Images.
