A transient was charged Friday with five felony counts in the stabbing of a Russian tourist Wednesday at the Hollywood & Highland center.
Donald Offerman, 54, faces one count of attempted murder with an allegation that he used a knife, along with four counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Sergio C. Tapia II ordered Offerman to be held in lieu of $670,000 bail pending his arraignment, which was postponed to Dec. 10. Offerman held his head down during the brief court proceeding.
Michael Makarevich, 32, was stabbed about 1:10 p.m. Wednesday as he and his family were walking up a flight of stairs at the popular shopping and tourist attraction at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
Witnesses said the victim — who was admitted to a hospital in serious condition but is expected to recover — was slashed repeatedly on his neck and arms while protecting his family. What triggered the attack was unclear.
Offerman was subdued and held at gunpoint by two off-duty New York police detectives who saw what happened and intervened.
If convicted as charged, he could face a maximum sentence of 24 years to life in state prison.
—City News Service