A man has been charged with attempted murder and a hate crime for allegedly stabbing a Rittenhouse Square park ranger Sunday.
Thomas Riceman, 34, is accused of shouting “go back to your country” during the attack, the Inquirer and 6ABC reported, citing police sources. An initial PPD incident report indicated that the ranger is a 40-year-old Latino man.
He told authorities he was working in the booth when Riceman entered and laid down. When the ranger asked him to leave, Riceman suddenly became violent and used scissors to stab his head and face, according to the PPD.
Police said the ranger was able to handcuff Riceman and detain him until officers arrived. He was then taken to Jefferson University Hospital to be treated for nonlife-threatening injuries.
In addition to attempted murder and ethnic intimidation, Riceman was charged Tuesday with aggravated assault, weapon possession, simple assault and reckless endangerment. He is being held on $1 million bail, of which he must post 10%, according to court records.
The public defender’s association, which is representing Riceman, declined to comment on the case.
