Las Vegas, Nevada - Two people have been killed and more injured in a knife attack on the Las Vegas hotel strip in broad daylight, including showgirls and tourists.

Six more were seriously injured, three of whom were in critical condition, Police Chief James LaRochelle said.

The stabbing spree occurred on Las Vegas Boulevard near the Encore and Wynn hotels and the Fashion Show shopping center on Thursday morning around 11:40 AM.

The suspected perpetrator, 32-year-old Yoni Barrios, has been arrested and booked on two counts of open murder with a deadly weapon and six counts of attempted murder.

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A large kitchen knife was recovered as a weapon at the scene. Police said the suspect's motive was initially unknown.

According to police, the alleged perpetrator was running and tried to flee, but was overpowered by Sands casino security guards.

The victims are said to be tourists as well as residents of the city. A local report cited the Clark County coroner’s office confirming the two murdered victims as Brent Allan Hallett, aged 47, and Maris Mareen Digiovanni, aged 30, both from Las Vegas.

A witness said among those attacked were several women in showgirl costumes often seen on the Las Vegas Strip.

"There was one showgirl on the ground," a witness said. "There was another showgirl on top of her, trying to help her friend. She seemed to be stabbed in the back, but she didn’t notice because she was helping the other showgirl.'"

"This was an isolated incident," police assured the public.

"This is devastating," Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada tweeted. "I will continue to monitor the situation. Our tourists must feel safe when they visit Las Vegas."