Police in New York City have officially charged a 27-year-old man in connection with a series of stabbing incidents that left six people injured in Queens and Brooklyn. The suspect, Jermain Rigueur, was apprehended on Wednesday evening after an extensive search effort involving helicopters and additional officers deployed in subways and on the streets. Rigueur, who worked as a greeter at Woodhull Medical Center, had no prior arrests and had passed a background check before starting his job in mid-November.

Mitchell Katz, president and CEO of NYC Health and Hospitals, confirmed that Rigueur is currently on administrative leave and will be terminated if convicted of the attacks. Despite investigations, police didn't find any documented history of mental illness associated with the suspect. Details about Rigueur's attorneys have not been made available at this time.

According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, Rigueur recently moved to Queens from Suffolk County. Detectives thoroughly searched every housing complex and homeless shelter in the area where the stabbings occurred. The cooperation of a Queens resident who provided access to their security camera system proved crucial in solving the case, said Kenny. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban highlighted the importance of traditional detective work in cracking the case, emphasizing the significance of knocking on doors.

Rigueur, who lived in Rochdale, allegedly approached his victims from behind and stabbed them unprovoked with a "hunting knife." The attacks took place within a concentrated area of several blocks, affecting individuals of different ages and ethnicities. Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern, stating that there was no indication Rigueur intended to halt his violent spree.

In a separate incident, the NYPD announced the arrest of a 72-year-old man believed to be responsible for two recent subway stabbings. The suspect, who had been arrested five times in the past year for suspected assaults and sex crimes, allegedly stabbed a 42-year-old man on a D train at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station. About an hour-and-a-half later, he reportedly stabbed a 19-year-old on a 2 train in the Bronx at East 174th Street. Fortunately, none of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries in either of these subway attacks.

As Jermain Rigueur awaits arraignment in Queens Criminal Court on charges of attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, the people of New York City continue to grapple with the aftermath of these shocking incidents. The police's swift action in apprehending both suspects brings hope for justice and a sense of security, as authorities work to ensure the safety of residents and visitors within the city's neighborhoods and public transportation systems.