A man is in custody for allegedly trying to kill someone in Yorktown Heights. Officials believe it was a random attack.

"This was an attempted murder and had he gotten that jugular vein, we'd be talking about a homicide here in the town of Yorktown," says Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble.

Yorktown police say it happened in broad daylight around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in the parking lot of BJ's Wholesale Club at 3303 Crompond Road.

Police say the suspect went behind the victim, dragged a large kitchen knife across the victim's neck and then ran off.

An officer was nearby and was able to catch the suspect.

Police say the officer followed his training closely while making the arrest. That officer is being praised for his actions.

"Officer Curtin did an outstanding job," says Chief Noble.

The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Jared Alongi.

He was arrested and charged with attempted murder in the second degree.

"This does not make Yorktown an unsafe community. In fact, quite the opposite, the response and what happened shows exactly why Yorktown is so safe," says Yorktown Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman.

The victim declined to go the hospital, and they are expected to be OK.

A possible motive for the stabbing has not been released.