NYPD: Madman On The Loose Following Fatal Stabbing Spree
Updated: Saturday, Feb. 12 9:17 a.m.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A full-scale manhunt was on late Friday night for a suspect wanted for killing three people. A day-long stabbing spree started early in the morning in Sheepshead Bay and included a carjacking and a hit and run.
The NYPD announced around 10:30 p.m. it had discovered a key piece of evidence – the suspected getaway car, reports CBS 2's Derricke Dennis.
Maksim Gelman, 23, of Sheepshead Bay remained a wanted man Friday night, hours after he allegedly carried out a wild and deadly stabbing spree. A massive manhunt was launched, including a police search by air and on the ground, leaving neighbors on edge.
"It's pretty scary. Can't even walk around your own neighborhood," one person said.
It began at 5 a.m. inside a house in the 2800 block of East 27th Street, police said. The suspect stabbed his own stepfather, 54-year-old Aleksandr Kuznetsov, to death, his body found with "numerous" stab wounds.
Police combed the living room for evidence. Neighbors noted a history of trouble in the home.
"He got into trouble once and a while. He was a troubled child, but nothing to these realms," Stella Bend said.
"The stepdad was a very nice guy. He's been living here for a lot of years," Philip Bend added.
The next two stabbings happened 12 hours later in the 2400 block of East 24th Street. Police said the suspect first stabbed his ex-girlfriend, 24-year-old Yelena Bulchenko, to death, and then her mother.
Ben Shohinas said he knew them both.
"It's a sad story. She was a really nice girl. She didn't deserve for that to happen, you know?" Shohinas said.
But the suspect's getaway in a 2004 Lexus was stalled by a double-parked car on East 24th and Avenue U.
So, police said, Gelman got out, and stabbed that driver and stole his car, a 1995 green Pontiac Bonneville four-door. Moments later, he struck a pedestrian at Avenue R and Ocean Avenue. The driver and pedestrian were listed as stable and critical, respectively, at area hospitals.
Gelman is described as a white male, approximately 6-foot and 170 pounds. If you've seen him or the vehicle you are asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. Police are also offering a $12,000 reward for information leading to Gelman's capture.
Please stay with CBSNewYork.com for more on this developing story.
