A homeless man was hospitalized after he was stabbed near The Falls.

Pinecrest police said David Mercado, 49, was standing near Southwest 136th Street and U.S. 1 asking for change when a man in black Ford 150 called him over. When Mercado went to the truck’s window, police say he was stabbed.

Police say Mercado was able to make it across the street to the Busway where someone saw him bleeding and called 911.

“It was a random act of violence,” said Pinecrest Detective Alexandra Martinez.

Martinez said the attacker didn’t say a word to Mercado. He just stabbed him in the neck and drove away.

“We never had any problems with any of our homeless or anyone at these intersections collecting money,” he said. “This is the first time we heard a case like this in this area, so we’re concerned we’re going to request the assistance of the public.”

Mercado was airlifted to Kendall Regional Medical Center where he was listed in fair condition.

The stabbing took place near The Falls. Shoppers said they were surprised to hear about the random attack.

“It’s normally just very calm and very nice. I don’t feel like there’s a threat in the area,” said Jasmine Salomon who was shopping at the mall.

Police are checking nearby traffic and security cameras to see if they captured anything that would help in their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Pinecrest police at 305-234-2100.