Police arrest suspect in random attack on hospital employee
TAUNTON, Mass. (AP) — The woman suspected of stabbing an employee of a Massachusetts hospital in an unprovoked attack was held without bail at her arraignment Thursday and ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
The 28-year-old suspect faces a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the stabbing Tuesday afternoon outside of Morton Hospital in Taunton, police said.
When she was arrested Wednesday, the suspect had a pocket knife blade without a handle in her possession, Taunton police Chief Edward Walsh said in a statement.
The suspect's father said his daughter has a history of mental health struggles.
The victim, a 44-year-old woman, told police she was outside on her break when she was approached from behind by someone who pulled her ponytail and punched her several times in the back.
The worker went back inside and told a colleague about the attack, and upon further examination, it was determined she had multiple puncture wounds on her shoulders and neck.
She was treated and, according to a hospital spokesperson, completed her shift.
The victim said she did not recognize her assailant.
The stabbing led to a brief lockdown at the hospital.
Police did not disclose the victim’s job.