Man allegedly stabbed in Washington after saying he was a Christian

A man and his dog were stabbed early Sunday morning by a stranger after reportedly answering the assailant’s question about the victim’s religion.

The victim, identified as Eddie Nitschke, 54, told police he was stabbed after identifying as Christian.

According to a video posted on the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Facebook account, officers responded to a parking lot in Parkland after Nitschke called 911 to report that he had been stabbed in the parking lot where he, his girlfriend, and two dogs live in their car.

The attack reportedly began when the suspect approached Nitschke and asked about his religion. Nitschke initially responded that he wasn’t religious, but the suspect pressed him further.

“I said, ‘I’m not religious.’ And he goes, ‘Well, what religion are you?’ I said, ‘I guess Christian,’” Nitschke told KING 5.

Moment slater, the man attacked Nitschke multiple times with two knives. Nitschke’s girlfriend then released one of the dogs from their car - the dog attacked the suspect, but was also stabbed.

“My shirt was drenched with blood,” Nitschke said.

Both Nitscheke and his dog were transported to the hospital in serious condition. Responding officers searched the area with K-9 units. A deputy eventually spotted the armed suspect in the backyard of someone’s home.