Knife attack averted after woman arms herself in St. Catharines

Police are attributing the actions of a Good Samaritan with averting what had the potential to be a violent attack after a woman armed herself with two knives in St. Catharines Wednesday afternoon.

Niagara police say that officers were called to a home in the area of Haig Street and Ventura Drive for a weapons-related incident.

Investigations conducted revealed that the suspect, a 26-year-old woman, had broken into an argument with a man and woman at the home.

That was when police say the suspect became upset that the man was going to leave, prompting her to arm herself with two knives before she began stabbing his car.

The suspect then reportedly attacked the other woman and chased her down the street with both knives.

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While the victim was able to escape, officers say the suspect then turned her attention to a five-year-old girl who was walking down the street with another adult.

The suspect turned toward the child, striking her backpack with the knife.

A 32-year-old man observed the incident from inside his home and, arming himself with a broom, struck and successfully disarmed the suspect to allow for the child and accompanying adult to get to safety.

Despite the intensity of the incident, police say there were no injuries reported.

Brookelynn A. Macneill of St. Catharines was subsequently arrested and charged.

She now faces five counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of mischief, possession of a weapon and failure to comply with probation order.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009011.

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