Maplewood Woman Charged After Sergeant Stabbed During CVS Theft Response

Prosecutors say the attack converted a routine shoplifting call into an attempted murder prosecution that will move forward in court.

Overview

Police responded to a CVS on White Bear Avenue North after employees reported a customer threatening staff and taking merchandise, according to the criminal complaint and store video.
During the July 21 conversation with Sgt. Anthony Gabriel, prosecutors say 48-year-old Jowharah Bilal pulled a knife and repeatedly stabbed the officer.
Sgt. Gabriel suffered a roughly 2-inch wound to his left shoulder, was treated at a hospital, released the next day, and is reported to be recovering.
Prosecutors charged Bilal on Thursday with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault based on store video, the manager’s account, and the criminal complaint.
A man identified as Bilal’s son intervened to disarm her and told officers she has long-standing mental-health issues and refuses treatment, a detail that may be raised during court proceedings.