A former member of a Chelsea-based mixed martial arts gym, who was expelled last year, allegedly stabbed a current member three times in the back on Saturday, according to local law enforcement. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Caleb Perry, reportedly entered the Radical Mixed Martial Arts gym on West 29th Street at Seventh Avenue around 11 a.m. and began searching for the management.
Perry then allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with a 24-year-old gym member, during which he stabbed the victim multiple times in the back with a knife. Other gym attendees managed to detain Perry until the police arrived at the scene.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday. The victim was transported to Bellevue Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Perry’s gym membership was reportedly revoked last year for reasons that have not been disclosed.
Following his arrest at the scene, Perry was charged with attempted murder, assault, and burglary. He was awaiting arraignment as of Saturday.
The Radical Mixed Martial Arts gym is known for its combat fighting and self-defense training. The gym has not yet released a statement regarding the incident. The motive behind Perry’s alleged attack remains unclear, and it is unknown whether he had any previous altercations with the victim or other gym members.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures in place at the gym and other similar establishments. It underscores the need for stringent security protocols to protect gym members and staff from potential harm.