MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — Three people were stabbed, two fatally, in Manhattan on Monday morning, and the incidents appear to be connected, police said.

The 51-year-old suspect, who had blood on his clothes, was detained. He is believed to be homeless and a resident of the Bellevue men’s shelter on East 30th Street.

It all came to light when a 36-year-old construction worker was fatally stabbed at 444 West 19th Street just before 8:30 a.m. He was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.

Then, a 68-year-old fisherman was stabbed at 500 East 30th Street just before 10:30 a.m. He was also pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.

Then, at 10:55 a.m., a 36-year-old woman was stabbed at East 42nd Street and First Avenue. He is also in critical condition at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

The suspect was taken into custody at East 46th Street and First Avenue. Two knives were seized.

Detectives are trying to determine a connection between the stabbings, but authorities say the suspect caused an argument with all three victims.

He appeared to choose his victims at random.

“He walked up to them and started attacking them with knives,” said Chief Detective Joe Kenny.

The suspect has eight prior arrests, and Mayor Eric Adams said, “There’s a real question as to why he’s on the street.”

The mayor said the suspect is believed to have serious mental health issues. A taxi driver witnessed one of the stabbings and called the police.

The driver’s quick action led to the suspect’s arrest and possibly prevented further violence, Adams said.

“These random attacks left two innocent victims dead and another fighting for his life,” Kenny said. “We have a suspect in custody and we are not looking for anyone else at this time.”

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