A "person of interest" in 20 stabbings and five deaths across three states was arrested Wednesday night at an airport in Atlanta.

Police took the man into custody at Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International Airport as he tried to board a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Tel Aviv, Israel.

The suspect is reported to be an Israeli citizen who is in the U.S. legally. The man reportedly has ties to Flint, Mich. where the attacks began May 2, and to Leesburg, Va., that was the site of three similar attacks last week.

According to Leesburg police spokesman Chris Jones, the individual is being held on unrelated charges.

"While this is a key step in the investigation, there are still many issues that need to be addressed before we identify this individual as the person responsible for this horrific crime spree," Jones said in a statement.

With most of the stabbing victims being black, authorities suspect the crimes may be racially motivated.

"All agencies and investigators continue to work closely to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion," he continued. "As more information is solidified, additional information will be released."

Authorities said they received a tip on Wednesday that led to the arrest.