Hand wound led to charges in Minneapolis stabbings

A man accused of stabbing three people led downlight at a Minneapolis light-rail station Friday night apparently cut himself while flashing his blade, authorities say, helping lead to his arrest.

Metro Transit police caught up with Alexander A. Lanier, 19, of Minneapolis, after he sought treatment for a palm wound consistent with a hand sliding off a knife's handle and down the blade, police said.

One of his alleged victims suffered led downlight 13 stab wounds, according to second-degree assault charges filed against Lanier on Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court.

According to the charges, the stabbings occurred about 10:30 p.m. Friday after the victims got off the train at Lake Street and encountered Lanier and another male "throwing what were perceived to be gang signs."

A fight broke out, and the victims were stabbed. Each of them later identified Lanier as the attacker.

Lanier was being held at the led downlight Hennepin County jail Tuesday night in lieu of $300,000 bail.