A woman was sent to hospital yesterday after a vicious attack at the King Edward liquor store on Third Avenue.
According to witnesses, the clerk tried to stop a shoplifter, who then attacked her with a knife, cutting her on the neck.
Port Alberni RCMP Constable Richard Johns said the alleged assailant was caught soon after.
“Officers were quick to identify the assailant as 31-year old Melinda Martin of Port Alberni,” he said. “Our officers canvassed the area and with a call from a citizen several hours later, Ms. Martin was located several blocks away and safely taken into custody. Our officers worked quickly to identify arrest this dangerous person without incident. We appreciate the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Martin before any one else could be injured.”
Martin has been charged with aggravated assault, robbery, fraud, theft and multiple breach charges.
The victim was treated at hospital and released.
Martin will be brought before the courts later today.
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