Tyrik Haynes, 19, is accused of repeatedly stabbing a woman inside the Bed, Bath & Beyond on Route 35 in Middletown.
The victim, whose name was not released, is hospitalized in critical condition. It is believed Haynes chose his victim at random. She was reportedly stabbed more than a dozen times.
The incident, as well as the suspect's demeanor, left witnesses troubled and frightened.
"He ran towards the back of the store and just picked a customer and just stabbed her," witness Anne Patl said. "And she had a baby in her hands, and that's all I heard. He stabbed her and just walked out. He didn't run. He walked out of the store like nothing happened."
Patl works at the Staples next door.
The 29-year-old victim's child was reportedly uninjured and is currently with family.
Middletown Police talked to customers and employees and examined evidence from the crime scene that left residents stunned.
"It's a great town," resident Michael Mascolo said. "You don't hear things like this. It's shocking. You normally don't here this stuff in Middletown."
Police picked up the suspect at a nearby apartment complex.
Haynes faces attempted murder and weapons charges and is being held on $1 million bail.
He is also charged in an animal cruelty case, accused of setting a cat on fire last month.
That cat survived.
This story was reported by WABC-TV, KTRK's sister television station in New York.
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