Suspect stabs man at Target in Prince George's County, grabs woman before being tasered

FORESTVILLE, Md. - A suspect stabbed a man and took a woman into a hostage situation at a Prince George's County Target on Wednesday. But, with help from an off-duty officer working security, the man was eventually tased and brought into custody.

Police at around noon, a suspect got into a scuffle with a man and stabbed him at the Target on Donnell Drive in Forestville.

"I observed a man standing on top of another gentleman, who was laid out on the ground. The gentleman on top, the suspect, jumped up and began to run an exit out of the business," said Officer Irving Estime, who was off-duty and working security at the store.

Officer Estime tells FOX5 he ran after the man and caught up with him in the front doorway of the store.

"I had a taser out, giving him verbal commands to drop a knife in his right hand. He refused. And there was a female inside the vestibule as well trying to get out by couldn't. They were exiting out of the entrance. So doors would not open. He ended up using that knife and grabbing her and taking her in a hostage type situation."

That woman had a small child with her, but other nearby customers reportedly saw what was happening and grabbed the girl and kept her safe.

Officer Estime says he pulled out a gun and kept engaging the suspect and eventually followed him into the parking lot as he radioed for backup. Other officers arrived within minutes.

"We were able to communicate but non verbally and at that point kept talking to the suspect and made sure he kept eyes on me and other officers were able to set up around and subsequently, the tasers were deployed and he was taken out without further incident," says Officer Estime.

Fortunately, the woman who was briefly held hostage was not injured during the incident, according to officials.

The store was closed for several hours while police investigated. Police say the male victim was stabbed is in stable condition. According to investigators, the suspect knew the two victims, but it's not clear how the altercation started.

Target released a statement, saying it was an isolated incident and the security team took quick action and gave the critical attention it deserved.

Prince George's County police ask that anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation or witnessed the incident was urged to call (301) 772-4433.