Man, 82, arrested for attempted murder after allegedly stabbing 78-year-old man multiple times at downtown residence

Friday afternoon attack resulted in victim being hospitalized with wounds to his arms and head, according to JPD

A Juneau Police Department vehicle is seen downtown on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Independent)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

An 82-year-old man was arrested for first-degree attempted murder and assault after allegedly stabbing a 78-year-old male multiple times at a downtown residence Friday afternoon, according to the Juneau Police Department.

The alleged attack occurred in the 1000 block of B Street, where the suspect and victim reside, according to a JPD statement issued Saturday.

"The investigation further determined there had been an argument between the two individuals when the suspect, 82-year-old Arvid William Puustinen, allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times," the statement notes.

Police responded at about 2:57 p.m. to a call in the area of 10th and C Street by a person reporting the victim had come to their residence seeking help.

"The victim, a 78-year-old male, had sustained multiple knife wounds to his arms and head and was transported by EMS to the hospital for medical treatment," the JPD statement notes.

Puustinen was seen by officers shortly afterward walking a couple of blocks away.

"The suspect was holding a knife when contacted by police but dropped the knife when ordered to do so and was taken into custody without further incident," according to JPD.

Puustinen was charged with first-degree attempted murder (an unclassified felony) and first-degree assault (a Class A felony), and taken to Lemon Creek Correctional Center. There are no case listings for Puustinen in the Alaska Court System’s online database.

"This case remains under investigation," the JPD statement notes. "Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Juneau Police Department at (907) 586-0600 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Line."

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.