Eight people were taken to the hospital after being stabbed in and around downtown Colorado Springs early Monday morning, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Officials with UCHealth tell News5 that 7 patients were taken to UCHealth Memorial Central for treatment. Of those patients, 5 were treated and released.
CSPD said the violence began in the area of 8th Street and Limit Street around 1:30 a.m.
Officers said they found two victims in the 8th and Cimarron area. Those victims told police the suspect seemed delirious and while officers searched for the suspect, they found more victims.
The additional stabbings were reported in the area of America the Beautiful Park and outside of Tony's at Tejon Street and Boulder Street.
Police said they learned the suspect was near Tony's and that he had stabbed more people. Officers said victims held the suspect until police arrived to arrest him.
The exact injuries to the victims have not been detailed. When asked about the type of weapon used, a spokesperson will only say it is an "edged weapon" that caused "sharp force trauma injuries."
Lt. James Sokolik of the Colorado Springs Police Department said the name of the suspect will be released later as investigators do not want to compromise an 'active investigation'.
At this time, they are still asking anyone with information to come forward to police.
The attacks raised questions about the safety of large parks in Colorado Springs, especially around downtown where large groups of homeless people are known to gather or live outdoors nearby.
To address questions of safety, the nonprofit Trails and Open Space Coalition posted a statement on social media about the incident. The main point: it happened at 1:30 in the morning when America the Beautiful Park is closed to visitors.
Multiple comments to the post from trail users say they do not feel any less safe, especially during daylight hours.
At larger open space parks like Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park, and North Cheyenne Canon park there are gates to discourage after hours entry.
