HONOLULU -- Honolulu police said they arrested a 63-year-old man in a fatal stabbing in Makiki, of a man witnesses described as a transvestite.

The stabbing happened just below the Keeaumoku Street freeway overpass at Cartwright Neighborhood Park around 6:30 p.m.

Police said the victim appeared to be in his 40s and was stabbed multiple times with a buck knife.

"Upon arriving in the area they discovered a male that appeared to be in his 40s suffering stab wounds to the body and leg," Honolulu Police Maj. Alan Bluemke said.

The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to his body, officials said.

Investigators said they were able to arrest the suspect not long after the stabbing was reported.

A witness who called police told KITV the car had pulled in and had been parked there for about an hour when all of sudden screams broke out.

The witness, who is one of a group of homeless people living in the area, said he ran to a nearby house to get someone to call 911.

He and those attending a game at a nearby park said they believed it was a woman who was being attacked.

"I heard screaming. I seen the cops and I seen the lady in the car and I think she was dead already," witness Justin Tuakoi said.

Police said they arrested Joel Chris Allen a short time later. They said Allen has a history of petty misdemeanors, including theft, driving a stolen car and an assault on a police officer. His last brush with the law was in 2006.

Authorities said they credited the swift arrest to the help of a witness who followed the fleeing suspect. He was found hiding in the bushes not far from Times Supermarket on Beretania Street.

"A witness followed the suspect and patrol area was making checks in the area and were flagged down by a witness who pointed out the suspect hiding," Bluemke said.

Police determined the victim was a male in his 40s, who was wearing women's clothing. It is unclear what the relationship was between the two.

Charges against Allen are pending. He remained in police custody.

The medical examiner has not yet released the victim's identity but said the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest.