Machete attack suspect to be charged with attempted murder

The suspect in a machete and scalpel attack in Woodland Hills that left a music industry veteran in the hospital with stab wounds will be arraigned Tuesday in Van Nuys, authorities said.

Prosecutors plan to charge Benham Vasseghi, 57, with attempted murder, said Officer Sally Madera of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said the incident began about 8 a.m. Sunday as Jerry Sharell -- who hosts a show on KJAZZ-FM (88.1) -- was visiting his girlfriend in the 4700 block of Nomad Drive in Woodland Hills.

The girlfriend’s former husband then pulled up on his motorcycle while the two were inside, according to witnesses.

“I saw a man on a motorcycle drive up, parked right across the street there, and some guy got off the motorcycle and pulled out a bouquet of flowers,” Harold Sullman told CBS-LA.

Police said Vasseghi was carrying a machete and held the pair hostage.

At around 11 a.m., the woman was able to escape and called police, Madera said. When officers arrived, they found Sharell with several stab wounds, including in the neck. All three were taken to a hospital.

The woman has since been released, but the two men remained hospitalized in stable condition Tuesday, Madera said.

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