Broom-wielding good samaritan disarms knife-wielding suspect involving 5-year-old

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Niagara Regional Police officers were called to the area of Haig Street and Ventura Drive, in St.Catharines, regarding a weapons call.

Investigation revealed a 26-year-old female suspect was arguing with another female and a male at a residence at this location. The female suspect got upset when the male was going to leave, and armed herself with two knives and started stabbing his car, says a news release from the police.

The suspect then attacked the other female, chasing her down the street with the two knives.

The victim was able to get away, however the suspect observed a five-year-old girl walking with an adult on the street. The suspect turned toward the five-year-old child and struck her backpack with the knife.

Fortunately, a good Samaritan observed this all take place from the inside of his home and acted quickly. The 32-year-old male armed himself with a broom which he used to hit the suspect.  As a result, he was able to disarm the suspect and get the child and adult to safety.

Niagara Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) attended the scene, however there were no injuries as a result of the incident.

Brookelynn A. MacNeill (26 years old) of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• assault with a weapon (five counts)
• mischief under $5,000 (two counts)
• possession of a weapon
• fail to comply with probation order

MacNeill was held in custody pending a video bail hearing that is expected to take place at the Robert S.K Welch Courthouse on Dec. 7.

The investigation remains ongoing by detectives with Niagara Regional Police detectives, the police news release says.

Anyone with information, who may have been in the area, who may have video footage or dash cam footage is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009011.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.