The suspect, identified by authorities as Ramon Rivera, 51, was taken into custody on Monday after he was found armed with two kitchen knives.

Despite multiple arrests and a history of mental health problems, Ramon Rivera, accused of killing three strangers in a wild Manhattan stabbing spree, was never sentenced to more than a year in jail.

Rivera appeared in court wearing a white Tyvek jumpsuit and handcuffs and was silent with his head bowed for most of the proceeding.