Man charged with attempted murder after stabbing at New Hartford Walmart

A 37-year-old man is in police custody and facing attempted murder charges after stabbing a woman at a New Hartford Walmart, according to the New Hartford Police Department.

Around 12:30 p.m., the New Hartford Police Department received a call about a stabbing at the Walmart on Commercial Drive.

Upon arrival, officers and emergency services located the victim, a 25-year-old adult female, inside the store.

While investigating the area and obtaining additional information from others in the area, officers located a male suspect inside the store. Police caught the suspect while he was trying to flee the area on foot. The suspect was detained by police teams without intervening in the incident.

The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Kristopher L. Spain. Police said Spain is from the area but is believed to have been recently homeless and has no known place of residence.

Spain was charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

“Spain and the victim do not know each other, and at this time the incident appears to be a random act of violence,” New Hartford Police officials wrote in a statement. “Fortunately, the victim is in stable condition at Wynn Hospital and we pray for a full recovery.”

The investigation now indicates that Spain made a random and unprovoked attack on the victim while armed with a sharp instrument when he confronted the victim inside the store.

At this time, further investigation has been assigned to investigators with the New Hartford Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.

Anyone who witnessed this or has any information regarding the incident is asked to contact the New Hartford Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 315-724-7111.

Spain was processed at the New Hartford Police Department and later transported to the Oneida County Jail where he will be held pending arraignment in Central Trial Court. Spain is not currently entitled to bail under these circumstances.

This article was first published in Observer-Dispatch: Man charged with attempted murder in stabbing at New Hartford Walmart