Knife Attack Suspect Facing Attempted Murder Charge

A 28-year-old man being held in the Yakima County jail after Yakima Police say he slashed a woman in the throat with a knife at the Yakima Fred Meyer store on Saturday, July 18 is now facing charges of attempted first degree murder, first degree assault and felony violation of court order. Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic says Mohammad Tariq violated a restraining order filed by a family member the day before the attack at Fred Meyer.

On Monday Tariq made an appearance in Yakima County Superior Court where bail was set at $500,000. At the time he was told he was facing a first degree assault charge but the charges were upgraded on Monday and filed Tuesday.

On Saturday police say Tariq walked into the store on North 40th Avenue, stole a knife from the store walked up behind a woman slashed her throat then walked away. He left the store in a vehicle. He was arrested Saturday night in the West Valley area.

The 66-year-old woman was taken to a Yakima hospital where she was treated for a non-life threatening wound.
Police say the suspect didn't know the woman.
An investigation into Saturday's attack continues Today.