PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Park Ranger was seriously injured in a stabbing incident inside Rittenhouse Square on Sunday afternoon. The attack occurred at approximately 4:18 p.m. at 1800 Walnut Street, when officers from the 9th District responded to reports of an assault.
Upon arrival, police found the victim inside the security booth at the center of the park, suffering from multiple stab wounds. The ranger, whose name has not been released, told investigators that the suspect entered the booth and laid down. When the ranger asked him to leave, the suspect suddenly attacked, stabbing the victim in the face and head with a pair of scissors.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, the ranger managed to handcuff the assailant and awaited the arrival of police. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Thomas Riceman from the 3900 block of Chestnut Street, was taken into custody at the scene.
Riceman is facing multiple charges, including Attempted Murder – First Degree, Aggravated Assault, Ethnic Intimidation, and Terroristic Threats. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition has not been disclosed, but he is expected to survive.
