Suspected NYC subway slasher arrested for stabbing 1-year-old boy in Philadelphia after skipping court date

A New York City woman out on bail for allegedly stabbing a fellow passenger on the subway has been arrested yet again, this time in Philadelphia, just days after failing to show up for a court appearance.

Takeira Hester, 28, was back in police custody on April 13 after allegedly attacking two people, including a 1-year-old boy, with a "long knife." She has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, simple assault, weapon possession, and reckless endangerment.

According to the New York Post, Hester's alleged stabbing spree began around 8:30 am on Saturday. While making her way through a Center City neighborhood, she attacked a random 24-year-old woman, knifing her in the chest and hand. 

She fled the scene, and shortly after noon went on to stab the aforementioned infant in front of his parents and twin brother while the family was out for a walk on South 18th Street.

"We had two parents walking a stroller down the street with two twins," Philadelphia Police Captain Frank Banford explained. "It looked like this female just rushed up to them and nothing was said– completely random."

He noted that she "tried to stab both children but got one child," noting that the boy was knifed once in each arm. 

As the Post reports, the infant's father chased after Hester, and while she managed to flee, her bag was left behind. Law enforcement was able to find enough evidence inside to track her down, and a few hours later she was arrested.

Both victims of the random attacks were transported to nearby hospitals, where they were treated for their injuries.

Hester was due to appear in court in New York City on April 11 for the subway attack, which took place on October 26, 2022. The victim in that incident, who was simply trying to break up a fight between her and another passenger, sustained stabbing injuries to his neck, wrist, and shoulder.

She was held on $10,000 cash and $15,000 insurance company bond, and managed to post the former in February 2023.