WORCESTER, Mass. — The suspect wanted for allegedly stabbing a woman more than 30 times inside a car in Hartford -- in front of her 6-year-old son -- and then fleeing with the child to Worcester was arrested in New York City.
Edgar Maldonado, 23, was arrested by the New York Police Department around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday at a midtown McDonald's after police got a tip from a cooperating witness, Lieutenant Paul Cicero, of the Hartford Police Major Crimes Division, said at a news conference. Maldonado will be held as a fugitive from justice until he can be turned over to Hartford Police custody.
Maldonado is accused of stabbing his girlfriend in Hartford Tuesday and then driving from the scene with her 6-year-old son.
Maldonado fled in the car with the child, Cicero said, and police issued an Amber Alert.
Cicero said police got 911 calls around 2 a.m. about a woman covered in blood, banging on doors for help near 77 Natick St. The woman had multiple stab wounds and police determined she had been involved in a domestic incident inside a vehicle nearby. The 6-year-old boy was also present in the car when the assault happened, Cicero said.
Police say the boy was found wandering on Providence Street in Worcester later in the day near the suspect's car. The boy was not injured, but he was taken to a hospital to be checked.
Cicero said Worcester Police saw "a bladed weapon in plain view inside the vehicle" Maldonado had been driving. Police are investigating how Maldonado got to NYC.
Police say the woman is hospitalized in Hartford in stable, but critical condition. Cicero said the woman had defensive wounds and some "very critical" stab wounds.
Neighbors in Worcester said they feel for the little boy and the horrific images he was forced to see.
"I can imagine he is not in a good state of mind," said Walter Gonzalez.
The little boy is with family and child services in Massachusetts.
Hartford Police have not yet interviewed Maldonado, Cicero said.
Maldonado is facing charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, first-degree assault, kidnapping and risk of injury to a minor, according to Hartford Police. He is being held in New York until he faces extradition to Hartford.
Related: Young son of Hartford stabbing victim found in Worcester