Neighbors: NYC slasher had mental problems

NEW YORK, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Witnesses are telling New York police a combination of mental problems and a family quarrel triggered a stabbing rampage by a Queens man known as "Big Dave."

The 6-foot-1, 300-pound David Williams allegedly knifed a woman and an elderly couple as he stormed out of his apartment in the Flushing section of the New York City borough.

The three victims were in critical or serious condition after being stabbed for no apparent reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the New York Post said Tuesday.

The Post said sources told NYPD detectives that Williams apparently had been suffering with mental problems and his mother refused to seek treatment for him.

The New York Daily News said Monday's rampage was captured on the building surveillance system and showed Williams attacking Joan and John Purcell as the exited the elevator and then straightening out the blade of the knife that had bent during the assault.

Williams, who worked as a bar bouncer, was under arrest Tuesday on charges including attempted murder.