82-year-old man stabbed and killed in random attack inside Hanford store identified
The motive is still under investigation, but officials say the suspect did not know the victim.
HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 82-year-old man stabbed in a random attack inside a store in Hanford Tuesday has been identified.
Hanford Police have identified the man as William Chartrand.
The stabbing happened around 3 p.m. at a 99 Cents Only store near 11th Avenue and Lacey Boulevard.
Hanford police say the suspect, 23-year-old Ryan Washington, walked up to Chartrand and stabbed him while in the store.
The motive is still under investigation, but officials say Washington did not know the victim.
Officers say the victim was a regular shopper at the store, and employees knew him well.
Washington was arrested and booked into the Kings County Jail on several felony charges, including murder.
Police say Washington does have a criminal history, but nothing as serious as murder.
"We were told that he has some mental health issues. However, with our department, we have no history of mental illness-type calls for service with him. We have some history for theft-related calls and battery offenses," explained Hanford Police Chief Parker Sever.
A representative of 99 Cents Only responded to the deadly stabbing in a statement, writing:
"We are saddened and dismayed about the loss of life involving a customer at our Hanford store. We are doing everything we can to assist the Hanford Police Department in its investigation and will continue to support our associates during this difficult time. We take very seriously our responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for our customers and associates at all our stores. The 99 appreciates the rapid response of the Hanford Police Department, and our Hanford store will be temporarily closed while law enforcement investigates the scene."
The store was closed for the rest of Tuesday night.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Hanford Police Department.
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