Decatur, Georgia: A woman enjoying lunch at a popular restaurant in Decatur was suddenly attacked Tuesday afternoon when a stranger allegedly walked up and stabbed her in the back, according to police.
The violent incident happened around 12:40 p.m. at the First Watch restaurant located on Blackmon Drive in Decatur, a community northeast of Atlanta known for its quiet and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Authorities with the DeKalb County Police Department said the victim was seated and eating her meal when 22-year-old Walter Scrutchings allegedly approached her without warning and plunged a knife into her back.
Investigators said the suspect and victim did not know each other, making the attack appear completely random.
Despite being injured, the woman managed to leave the restaurant and seek help at a nearby business, where she called emergency services. She was later transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Police said her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
Officers responding to the scene quickly located and arrested Scrutchings. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault. As of Wednesday, no future court date had been publicly listed.
The shocking daytime attack left nearby residents unsettled.
“It’s usually a pretty safe community,” one local resident said while reacting to the incident. “People walk around here all the time and don’t expect something like this to happen.”
Investigators have not yet released a possible motive behind the stabbing, and authorities have not shared whether the suspect has any prior criminal history.
The case remains under investigation.
