Homeless woman charged for attacking priest drinking coffee with knife outside florida market
Police car - File photo

Homeless Woman Charged for Attacking Priest Drinking Coffee With Knife Outside Florida Market

October 25, 2024

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A woman has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony battery following a violent incident that left one man hospitalized with a stab wound, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, whose name was not disclosed, allegedly threatened a McDonald’s employee with a knife before stabbing another victim outside a nearby market.

According to the incident report, the first altercation occurred at a McDonald’s restaurant, where the defendant approached an employee near the soda machines. The suspect reportedly asked, “Can you help me with something,” before grabbing the employee’s arm and brandishing a knife. The victim managed to pull away unharmed.

After leaving the McDonald’s, the suspect made her way to the Juniper Market, where she approached a man sitting outside with a friend. The report states that she addressed the man with, “Excuse me, sir,” before stabbing him without provocation. The victim sustained a stab wound just below his left collarbone, penetrating his lung and causing internal bleeding. Emergency responders reported that life-saving efforts were crucial to preventing a fatal outcome.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect had previously been convicted of battery in St. Johns County on September 4, 2024. The new charges include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as outlined in Florida Statute 784.021(1)(a), and felony battery under Florida Statute 784.03(1) and (2).

The suspect remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. The victim is receiving treatment for his injuries, and his condition has not been disclosed. Investigators cited physical evidence, eyewitness accounts, and statements from the suspect as the basis for the charges.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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