Los Angeles police say the man's scissor was lodged in the victim's skull and narrowly missed her brain.
The stabbing was one of two attacks allegedly committed by the man that day. Suspect Jonathan Lewis Cole, 30, was arrested after police say he threw a pickle jar at another woman just a few blocks away from the scene of the stabbing.
LAPD says the two assaults happened Monday on Lankershim Boulevard, with the stabbing taking place in the 5700 block.
The stabbing victim and the attacker were walking on the street when the suspect lunged toward her and shoved a pair of scissors into her head, according to the LAPD. Surveillance video captured the encounter.
LAPD Lt. Cmder. Bob Toledo told Eyewitness News the victim stumbled into a restaurant, where she received help from people inside.
The victim, identified as a woman in her 20s, was hospitalized with a fractured skull. She's now in stable condition.
LAPD added that she didn't know Cole.
After the stabbing, police say Cole went northbound on Lankershim and attacked a woman at a bus stop near a Superior Grocers store. He allegedly pulled out a pickle jar from his bag and threw it at her. The jar shattered and hit the woman's shoulder, but it appeared she was not seriously injured.
The woman's boyfriend chased after the suspect.
Cole was then detained by the grocery store's security until LAPD arrived and arrested him. The department says they have video connecting Cole to both attacks.
Police also say Cole is homeless and appears to be suffering from mental illness.
He was arrested for attempted murder and is being held on more than $3 million bail.