A Westminster toddler and her father are healing at home after police say a woman attempted to knife the young girl during a random attack over the weekend.
The violent incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. on Sunday in the Westminster Civic Center courtyard, according to police. The man and girl were walking in the courtyard when they were attacked by an unknown woman who threw a bottle at them first.
The small girl was unharmed, and authorities believe her father’s injuries could have been considerably worse if her father had not intervened and a Good Samaritan had stepped in to help.
“They kind of looked over at the woman, and the woman charged them with what we believe to be a switchblade-style knife and tried to stab his 3-year-old daughter,” said Cameron Knauerhaze, Westminster Police Department assistant chief.
“The father, like any parent would do, intervened and took multiple stab wounds protecting his 3-year-old daughter,” the police report stated.
Police shared a photo of the knife, claiming it was recovered on the lady they detained. Victoria Vu, 43, has been identified as the suspect. According to investigators, Vu is a former San Diego woman who is now believed to be homeless and frequently spends time in the courtyard.
Investigators are reviewing security camera footage to try to identify the man who stepped in to aid. He left before the cops arrived.
Reference: Woman arrested after trying to stab 3-year-old in Westminster
