Man pleads not guilty in bias stabbing attack in Paterson
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- An arrest was made Wednesday in a bias attack in Paterson where two people were stabbed as the suspect shouted anti-gay slurs.
The stabbings happened on Tuesday at 3:48 a.m. on Fair Street.
A 35-year-old man who had been stabbed flagged down officers to ask for help.
Police then found a second victim, a 41-year-old woman, had also been attacked and had cuts to her left leg.
Both were taken to St. Joseph's University Medical Center for treatment.
They were able to give the officers a description of their attacker and a short time later police arrested Damian Padilla, 42.
Padilla is accused of making several anti-gay slurs against the male victim while proceeding to stab him multiple times.
Padilla is charged with bias intimidation, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on Monday.
He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the bias charge.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.
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