A violent incident unfolded at the Walmart on U.S. Highway 80 in Demopolis on Tuesday, when Kierra Carter, a 32-year-old local resident, allegedly attacked two individuals with a crowbar and a butcher knife. The incident, initially reported as a possible active shooter situation, was quickly clarified by authorities as a stabbing, according to Demopolis Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Rex Flowers.
Demopolis Police Department officers responded rapidly after Marengo County E-911 dispatchers provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle and its direction of travel. While some officers intercepted Carter’s vehicle along Highway 80, others secured the Walmart, ensuring the safety of shoppers and employees.
Chief Flowers stated that Carter entered the store, armed herself with a crowbar and a butcher knife, and without apparent provocation began assaulting a 29-year-old woman. “She struck the female victim with the crowbar and then chased her through the store,” Flowers said.
During the chaos, a 47-year-old man attempted to intervene and disarm Carter. In the struggle, he sustained serious injuries from the knife. Both victims were transported to Whitfield Regional Hospital. The female victim was treated and released, while the male victim’s critical condition necessitated an airlift to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for advanced care.
Authorities confirmed that Carter had no known connection to either victim. She was apprehended without further incident and is currently facing one count of Assault in the First Degree and one count of Assault in the Second Degree. Chief Flowers indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with a motive yet to be established and additional charges potentially forthcoming.
“I commend our officers for their swift response and the safe apprehension of the suspect,” Flowers said. “I also extend gratitude to the Marengo County E-911 dispatchers for their vital role, as well as the Marengo County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office Investigators for their support.”
The investigation remains active as authorities work to uncover further details about this disturbing incident.
