A 63-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical condition after police say she was stabbed multiple times by a stranger who grabbed a knife from the merchandise shelves at a Dollar Tree store in Inkster, Michigan.
Background
Phyllis Robinson was shopping at the Dollar Tree location on Monday afternoon when witnesses told police she was attacked without warning or apparent provocation. The Inkster Police Department responded to a call about the stabbing at 3:15 p.m., according to authorities.
Investigators allege that Stephen Ross, 22, entered the store and retrieved a knife from merchandise displayed on the shelves before approaching Robinson and stabbing her multiple times. Officers found Ross at the scene when they arrived.
Local NBC affiliate WDIV spoke with other customers who said both Ross and Robinson were regulars at the store. According to the outlet, Ross lived at a group home located approximately half a mile from the Dollar Tree location.
An employee of the group home, speaking anonymously to WDIV, described Ross as someone who could become agitated over minor incidents. "He can get real angry about nothing, like any little thing could tick him off — like nothing," the employee said. The same worker told the outlet he saw Ross about an hour before the alleged attack but did not observe any signs of agitation.
The Charges
Ross was charged with three counts of assault in connection with the attack on Robinson: assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon. All charges are allegations at this stage of proceedings.
According to the Inkster Police Department, Ross was scheduled for arraignment following his arrest. Online court records did not show additional hearings as of publication.
Robinson remained hospitalized in critical condition as of the latest available information from authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Phyllis Robinson, 63, suffered multiple stab wounds and remains in critical condition at a local hospital
- Stephen Ross, 22, was apprehended at the scene and charged with three counts including assault with intent to murder
- Police allege Ross retrieved a knife from store merchandise shelves before conducting the unprovoked attack
- Witnesses described the stabbing as occurring without any apparent trigger or confrontation prior to the violence
- Ross reportedly lived at a group home about half a mile from the Dollar Tree location and was known to regular customers and staff
What's Next
Ross is expected to proceed through the court system on the assault charges filed by the Inkster Police Department. His arraignment proceedings will determine formal entry of pleas. Robinson's medical status remained critical, and authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as her condition develops.