Serial Stabber Suspect Elias Abuelazam Arrested Trying to Flee Country

The so-called Serial Stabber has been caught, police believe. Israeli-born Michigan resident Elias Abuelazam, the Serial Stabber suspect believed to be responsible for stabbing up to twenty people across several states, has been arrested on "unrelated charges" pending further investigation.

A Thursday press conference offered many new details in the disturbing Serial Stabber case, which may thankfully be on its way to being resolved. This will come as little comfort to the families of the five people killed in the violent attacks, but may be able to return peace to the terrified communities affected.

Serial Stabber In Custody, Police Say In Thursday Press Conference

At a press conference Thursday, law enforcement officials working the case promised, "We will be methodical and thorough in our continuing investigation and prosecution." An extradition is likely in the works to get Elias Abuelazam from Georgia (where he was reportedly arrested Wednesday night attempting to make his getaway to Israel) back to Michigan to face charges related to the recent crime spree.

The Serial Stabber's killing and assault spree has left people in Michigan, Ohio and Virginia fearing for their safety and lives for weeks now. With Elias Abuelazam now in custody, those people, especially those matching the killer's victim profile, can rest easier tonight. All known victims of the Serial Stabber are said to be African-American males, reportedly ranging in age from 15-67 years old.

Elias Abuelazam was linked to the Serial Stabber attacks through a mix of police work, technology, eyewitness tips, descriptions from surviving victims and a good deal of luck. Evidence in the Serial Stabber case has been coming together through the linking of physical descriptions, vehicle descriptions, and surveillance video, as well as the fact that Elias Abuelazam was arrested on August 5 in Virginia on unrelated charges.

A routine traffic stop turned up an old outstanding assault warrant, and Elias Abuelazam was taken into custody. A knife and hammer was found in the 1996 green/gold Chevy Blazer driven by suspected Serial Stabber Elias Abuelazam when it was impounded by Virginia police, and the pieces soon became coming together. The Serial Stabber suspect and the Chevy Blazer were released, but followed, and Abuelazam was subsequently arrested last night at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport.

Source:

ABC News

CNN televised coverage 8/12/2010 - Serial Stabber news conference