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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (BFMG) — The family of a 2-year-old girl who was critically injured in a random stabbing while waiting with her mother for a school bus in Providence, Rhode Island, is asking the community for help as the child continues recovering from severe injuries.
The attack occurred Wednesday, October 7, 2026, along Broad Street, where police say a 46-year-old man approached a mother and her toddler before launching an unprovoked knife attack.
The little girl suffered life-threatening injuries and has undergone three surgeries in just a few days, according to her family.
Her mother was also injured during the attack but has since been released from the hospital.
The toddler remains hospitalized, with family members describing an emotionally and financially overwhelming situation as they focus on her recovery.
FAMILY SPEAKS OUT ABOUT ATTACK
The child’s uncle, Moises Javier De La Cruz, described the incident as a traumatic experience that has deeply affected the family.
“It was unbelievable. Something that was never expected. Something we didn’t even think about. Something that will be pretty hard to get over,” De La Cruz said.
“Physically, mentally, emotionally, it is a scar that will be there for life.”
The family says the little girl’s parents have been unable to work while remaining focused on their daughter’s medical treatment and recovery.
With medical expenses and other financial obligations mounting, relatives have established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help support the family.
POLICE SAY ATTACK WAS COMPLETELY RANDOM
According to the Providence Police Department, the mother and her 2-year-old daughter were waiting for two other children to get off a school bus when the attack occurred.
Investigators say the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Nelson Blanco, initially approached the mother and child.
The mother reportedly crossed the street in an apparent attempt to avoid Blanco, but police say he approached them again.
“The suspect started insulting the mother before attacking the child with a knife,” Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez said.
“The mother also reported the suspect grabbed her during the incident.”
Police say witnesses and other parents waiting nearby intervened, forcing Blanco to flee.
One parent reportedly followed the suspect to a nearby residence, where investigators say Blanco entered the basement and locked himself inside.
Responding officers entered the residence and took Blanco into custody.
“Officers immediately responded to the area and again made entry into the house and were able to make an apprehension,” Perez said.
Authorities say there was no known connection between the suspect and the victims.
TODDLER UNDERGOES MULTIPLE SURGERIES
Following the attack, the mother and daughter were transported to a hospital for treatment.
The mother was subsequently released, while her daughter remained hospitalized with critical injuries.
During a police update Thursday, Perez described the toddler as “fighting for her life.”
Police said the child was in stable but critical condition at the time.
Family members have since reported that she has undergone three surgeries as doctors continue treating her injuries.
Additional information about her current medical condition and long-term prognosis has not been released.
SUSPECT PREVIOUSLY CHARGED IN STABBING OF TWO CHILDREN
Investigators also revealed that Blanco has an extensive criminal history, including a previous case involving violence against children.
According to Providence police, Blanco was charged in 2003 with stabbing two 7-year-old children in Providence.
Authorities say he has been arrested multiple times since that incident.
Despite his criminal history, Blanco was not incarcerated when Wednesday’s attack occurred.
During Thursday’s news conference, Perez was questioned about whether the case raised concerns about the criminal justice system and how individuals with histories of violent offenses are handled.
“No, I don’t think so,” Perez responded. “I just think at the end of the day it’s a very complex system.”
Perez, who previously served on the parole board, emphasized the need for cooperation among different parts of the criminal justice system.
“This is just unfortunate that it occurred,” he said.
BLANCO FACES MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES
Blanco appeared in court Thursday, October 8, to face multiple charges stemming from the attack.
According to police, those charges include assault with intent to commit a felony resulting in serious injury, felony assault with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering into the dwelling of a person over 60 years old, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.
Authorities also said Blanco is expected to appear in Superior Court in connection with an alleged bail violation involving a previous criminal case.
The charges are allegations, and Blanco is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
FAMILY SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
As the criminal case moves forward, the little girl’s family remains focused on her recovery.
Relatives say the attack has created significant emotional and financial challenges, particularly as both parents have been unable to work while caring for their daughter.
The family’s GoFundMe campaign is intended to help cover medical expenses and other costs associated with the child’s hospitalization and recovery.
The family is asking community members who are able to contribute to support the fundraiser as the toddler continues receiving medical treatment.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the child’s recovery and the criminal proceedings is expected as it becomes available.
