A mother was stabbed after a man allegedly tried to abduct her 2-year-old child outside a California mall.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the incident took place around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, outside the Westfield Topanga mall in Canoga Park. The mother, who has not been publicly identified, was walking with her toddler when she was confronted, KTLA 5, CBS News and NBC Los Angeles reported.
Police say the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Shayne Suffern, approached the woman and demanded, “Give me back my baby,” per KTLA 5.
He then allegedly pulled an AR-15 rifle from a backpack and tried to fire at her, but the weapon jammed. The woman ran with her child while Suffern gave chase, ultimately stabbing her in the shoulder, according to KTLA 5 and CBS News.
The mother managed to reach a nearby Cheesecake Factory for help, while the suspect fled in a vehicle. LAPD officers later located and arrested Suffern, finding an assault rifle, ammunition, and a knife inside his car, per the outlets.
Authorities confirmed that Suffern has been charged with attempted murder. His bail is set at $5,250,000, and his next court date is scheduled for Aug. 25, according to KTLA 5 and Los Angeles County public booking records.
The victim was taken to a local hospital and is reported to be in fair condition, with no apparent connection to the suspect, CBS News noted.
In an interview with NBC Los Angeles, Suffern’s father said his son is an Army veteran who has struggled with mental illness. “Me and my wife sort of felt it was only a matter of time before we got this call,” he said. “Hopefully, it wasn’t the call where he had been unalive. We’ve been seeking help since day one after he got discharged.”
He also offered an apology to the victim, saying, “I’m just praying for your speedy recovery. I am so sorry and ashamed of what has happened. I’m just beside myself.”
