Park ranger stabbed in head during scuffle in Rittenhouse Square, police say

Last updated on Sept. 3, 1 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are investigating three separate stabbings on Sunday, including one in which a park ranger was stabbed in the head during a scuffle in Center City.

It happened around 4:15 p.m. on Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square Park. The 40-year-old ranger was stabbed in the head and near his right eye in an altercation with another man.

Responding officers found the ranger with multiple stab wounds in the security booth in the center of the park. He told police that while he was inside the booth, a man entered and tried to lay down. When the ranger asked the man to leave, the suspect stabbed him with scissors, officials said.

Despite being stabbed, the ranger was able to handcuff the man and wait for police. The ranger was then taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Police identified the man as 34-year-old Thomas Riceman. He is charged with first-degree attempted murder, among related offenses.

Nearly 12 hours earlier, a 41-year-old woman entered a hospital with two stab wounds to her upper back. She was treated and is in stable condition.

Police said the incident happened in Southwest Philadelphia. No one was arrested.

Then, around 4 p.m. in Kensington, police said two people were stabbed inside a deli. A 27-year-old man was stabbed in his forearm and a 63-year-old man suffered a cut to his head.

Both were taken to the hospital in stable condition. No arrests were made.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents can submit a tip to police by calling or texting the tip line at 215-686-8477.