Woman survives knife attack after man ran amok in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – A horrific series of stabbing attacks in Charlotte within 24 hours left three people hospitalized and the suspect behind bars.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Headquarters Josiah Maitland, 19, has been charged with multiple attacks on people across the area. One of his victims said she was lucky to be alive.

“I went to reach for my keys and felt someone behind me,” she said.

The woman did not want to reveal her name publicly, but is recovering from this terrible experience.

“Suddenly I felt someone pounding on my back,” she said. “I didn’t know it was a knife.”

The attack occurred on Wednesday as she was returning from work and was on her way to her car in an adjacent parking lot. On her way to the vehicle, she spotted a man sitting on a bench at a bus stop and didn’t think much of it.

“I turned around and tried to block the knife with my left arm,” she said. “The knife then cut my hand.”

The suspect began stabbing her wildly and without reason. Only when she screamed for help did her attacker run away.

“My screaming… I think that scared him,” she said.

Several colleagues came to her aid and she was taken to hospital for emergency treatment as her wounds affected more than just her arm.

Before police could arrest Maitland, the suspect in the woman’s case, he allegedly committed two more stabbing attacks. In addition to the woman, a man was stabbed as he rode his moped down the street along Old Mount Holly Road, and a short time later another person was attacked on a CATS bus along Freedom Drive.

By looking at the video surveillance on the bus, the police were able to find a picture of the suspect. He was arrested shortly afterwards.

Maitland is charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, armed robbery and two counts of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

“I hope he gets better, but I also hope he doesn’t end up on the streets so he can’t hurt anyone else,” the woman said.

She said it was important to be aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions. Despite her injuries, she said she was lucky overall.

“I’m just grateful because it could have been a lot worse.”

Related: CMPD: Man arrested after stabbing with 60-year-old woman and 2 others in Charlotte area

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