FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — There's a sense of uneasiness in Federal Way as police continue to search for the suspect who attacked a man in his 70s with a hatchet at Town Square Park on Dec. 21.
"I'm heart wrenched for the guy, I hope he pulls through," said Anthony, who works for Federal Way Parks and Rec. Anthony opened the park around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. "I saw an older man and said hi and he looked happy to see me."
Shortly after that interaction, a man was brutally attacked.
"I was sick to my stomach, hoping it wasn't that guy. Anyone for that matter, but to know that I was just there and it could have been the same guy," said Anthony.
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said, based on the available information, it was a random attack.
Ferrell said the Federal Way Police Department is adding extra patrols to the area and are working with the senior apartment complex across the street, which is home to people ages 55 and older.
"We've got every resource we have and we are committed to finding him," Ferrell said. "We'll put it out wide and far."
Security cameras captured the assault. One photo shows the suspect wearing a black jacket. Police later found that same jacket and a hatchet nearby the park. A second photo shows the suspect on a King County Metro bus; he was last seen taking a bus northbound on Pacific Highway South.
"This individual essentially laid in wait and randomly attacked someone who was exercising," Ferrell said. "It's really awful."
Ferrell said the town had just come together for its annual Christmas tree lighting. Now days before the holiday, a man is at Harborview in critical condition and the community is saddened to know he was found under that same Christmas tree.
"While this person is out, be aware of your circumstances and don't wear clothing that will be obstructing," said Ferrell.
Police said the suspect is armed and dangerous. People are urged to call 911 if they see the suspect.