ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – A chilling series of events unfolded in downtown St. Augustine on Wednesday, where a 22-year-old woman allegedly stabbed an Episcopalian priest in a random attack shortly after brandishing a knife at a McDonald’s employee. The St. Augustine Police Department reports that Ariena Gibbs now faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and felony battery following the attack.
The incident has left the local community in shock as Father Matt Marino of Trinity Baptist Parish recovers from his injuries. According to the police report, the events began around 8 a.m., when Gibbs approached an employee at a McDonald’s on North Ponce De Leon Boulevard, asking for help while showing a knife. Fortunately, the employee managed to escape without harm.
Shortly after the incident at McDonald’s, Gibbs made her way toward San Marco Avenue, stopping at the Juniper Market. There, Marino and another individual were seated when Gibbs reportedly addressed him politely before launching the unprovoked attack. Marino suffered a stab wound that penetrated his lung, with paramedics’ prompt intervention preventing a potentially fatal outcome.
Police indicated the attack appeared random, with no prior connection between Gibbs and Marino. The suspect’s past includes a misdemeanor battery case from September, raising questions about her recent behavior.
The authorities located Gibbs at approximately 10:30 a.m. that same morning, but not before downtown St. Augustine experienced heightened police activity, warning citizens to stay alert as they searched for the assailant. During the search, Gibbs was reported to be on a bike.
In response to the incident, Trinity Baptist Parish was placed on lockdown as a safeguard, while police ensured the suspect posed no further threat.
Ariena Gibbs remains in custody at the St. Johns County Jail, held without bond as the investigation continues to unfold.