The Philadelphia Police Department has arrested Elias Diaz, 46, in connection with a series of assaults that occurred on the Pennypack Park Trail.
Diaz was arrested on Sunday on the 2800 block of Winchester Ave. and is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses.
The first incident took place on the 2800 block of Holme Ave. at 8:15 a.m. on Nov. 22, when a jogger was attacked by a cyclist brandishing a machete. The victim was slashed multiple times on the arms and hands and was treated at Nazareth Hospital.
The second incident took place on the 2800 block of Winchester Ave. at 9 a.m. on Nov. 24. A victim walking on the trail was assaulted by a man on a bicycle wielding a large knife. The victim sustained lacerations to the right arm and hands and received medical attention at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.
Additionally, a witness reported an encounter with an unknown Hispanic male on the Pennypack Trail on Nov. 25 at about 8:30 am. The male, riding a BMX-style bicycle, became agitated and verbally aggressive. The witness managed to leave the area unharmed. ••
