(12/11/07) PARAMUS - Police say the person suspected of stabbing a teen at a Paramus mall has been arrested.
Andrew Kazmierczak, 19, has been taken into custody by police. Investigators say Kazmierczak stabbed the 18-year-old victim in his neck outside an entrance at the Paramus Park mall Monday. Police say Kazmierczak, possibly struck bone when he stabbed the victim in the neck, forcing the knife handle to break off.
According to witnesses, the victim then stumbled into the mall with the knife blade still in his neck.
Despite his injury, police say the victim was able to point the finger at his attacker. An address provided by the victim led police to an address, where they say they found Kazmierczak hiding underneath a mattress Tuesday morning.
Investigators at the scene appear to have recovered the knife handle.
Police believe the attack was part of a long-running dispute between the two men. They also say the mall meeting was a chance encounter and was not planned.
The victim is listed in stable condition. His identity has not been released, even though he?s 18. When asked if the victim has a prior criminal record, police would not comment.
Kazmierczak is being held on $500,000 bail.