Suspect Flees After Stabbing on Tempe Light Rail

Police search for woman who attacked another passenger during a brawl on the train.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A woman was stabbed multiple times during a fight with another woman on a light rail train in Tempe, Arizona. The attacker fled the scene before police arrived and is still at large. The injured woman was hospitalized in stable condition, and police say this appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence on public transportation can undermine public confidence and raise concerns about safety, even if they are isolated. This case highlights the challenges transit agencies and law enforcement face in maintaining security and responding quickly to emergencies on light rail systems.

The details

According to police, the stabbing occurred around 9:20 pm on February 12th near the Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane light rail station. Officers responded to reports of a brawl between two women, but the attacker had already fled the scene by the time they arrived. The injured woman was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition.

  • The incident occurred around 9:20 pm on February 12, 2026.

The players

Tempe Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the stabbing incident on the Tempe light rail.

Valley Metro

The regional public transportation authority that operates the light rail system where the attack took place.

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What they’re saying

“This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the community.”

— Lindsey Fernandez, Tempe Police Spokesperson (azcentral.com)

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and search for the suspect, who fled the scene before officers arrived.

The takeaway

While isolated incidents of violence on public transit are concerning, this case highlights the importance of robust security measures and rapid emergency response to maintain public confidence and ensure the safety of light rail passengers.