A 43-year-old woman suspected of attempting to stab a child to death in Westminster and seriously injuring her father, who helped defend the girl, was arrested, police announced Monday.
Officers responded to the Westminster Civic Center in the 8200 block of Westminster Boulevard, near Beach Boulevard, around 4:45 p.m. on Sunday regarding reports of a stabbing.
A man was found bleeding after sustaining multiple stab wounds, according to the Westminster Police Department. The officers immediately rendered aid to the man until Orange County Fire Authority paramedics arrived.
Detectives determined through further investigation that the victim was walking with his daughter through the courtyard moments before an unknown woman allegedly threw a bottle at them. The woman was later identified by investigators as Victoria Vu, who then allegedly walked toward the victims and brandished a knife.
“Vu then attempted to stab the child, at which point her father shielded her. In doing so, Vu stabbed the adult victim in the hand and leg,” police said in a statement.
Vu eventually walked away but remained in the courtyard. Officers located her moments later, allegedly recovered the knife used in the assault, and arrested Vu without further incident. The motive for the assault with a deadly weapon against the father and daughter remains under investigation.
“The victim indicated that an unknown member of the public stepped in between the suspect and victim at some point during the altercation and may have prevented further injuries to the victims,” police said.
Vu was booked into Orange County jail on suspicion of attempted murder, child endangerment, and possession of a switchblade.
Anyone with information regarding the alleged attack was urged to contact Detective J. Bell at 714-548-3724 or the Westminster Police Department watch commander at 714-548-3767. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 815-TIP-OCCS.