Homeless Man Charged In Unprovoked Stabbing Attack On Hollywood Tourist

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 54-year-old homeless man accused of stabbing a Russian tourist in the face on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been charged, officials said Friday.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Donald Offerman was charged with one count of attempted murder with the special allegation he personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife, and four counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

The unprovoked attack took place at the Hollywood & Highland Center, across the street from the famed TCL Chinese Theatre, on Wednesday.

Offerman is accused of slashing the victim from behind with a large kitchen knife as he walked up a flight of stairs at the popular shopping and entertainment complex.

Prosecutors said he then approached the victim's family and allegedly swung the knife at them multiple times.

According to police, Offerman cut the victim a second time during a struggle. The victim's family ran away during this time.

Two off-duty New York police detectives intervened and detained Offerman at gunpoint. He was later booked on attempted murder charges and was being held on $500,000 bail.

The wounded tourist underwent surgery and is expected to survive.

Offerman is expected to appear in court later this afternoon. Prosecutors are recommending his bail be raised to $670,000.

If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 24 years to life in state prison.