A shocking incident occurred in the heart of St. Augustine on Wednesday when a 22-year-old woman, Ariena Gibbs, allegedly attacked an Episcopalian priest after threatening a McDonald’s employee with a knife. The St. Augustine Police Department has since charged Gibbs with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and felony battery.
The local community has been left reeling as Father Matt Marino of Trinity Baptist Parish recuperates from his injuries. The police report indicates that the sequence of events began around 8 a.m. when Gibbs approached a McDonald’s employee on North Ponce De Leon Boulevard, brandishing a knife and asking for assistance. The employee was able to avoid any harm.
Shortly after the McDonald’s incident, Gibbs proceeded to San Marco Avenue and stopped at the Juniper Market. Marino and another person were seated there when Gibbs reportedly initiated a polite conversation before suddenly attacking Marino. The priest suffered a stab wound that punctured his lung, but quick action by paramedics averted a potentially fatal situation.
The police have stated that the attack seems to have been random, with no known previous relationship between Gibbs and Marino. Gibbs has a history of misdemeanor battery from September, which has raised concerns about her recent actions.
Law enforcement officers located Gibbs around 10:30 a.m. on the same day. However, before her capture, downtown St. Augustine saw an increase in police activity, with residents being advised to remain vigilant as the search for the attacker was underway. Reports indicated that Gibbs was seen on a bicycle during the search.
In the wake of the incident, Trinity Baptist Parish was put on lockdown as a precautionary measure while the police ensured that the suspect posed no further threat. Gibbs is currently being held without bond at the St. Johns County Jail as the investigation continues.