A startling event unfolded in the center of St. Augustine on Wednesday when Ariena Gibbs, a 22-year-old woman, allegedly assaulted an Episcopalian priest following a threat to a McDonald’s employee with a knife. The St. Augustine Police Department has since filed charges against Gibbs for attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and felony battery.
The local community is in shock as Father Matt Marino of Trinity Baptist Parish recovers from his injuries. According to the police report, the chain of events started around 8 a.m. when Gibbs confronted a McDonald’s employee on North Ponce De Leon Boulevard, wielding a knife and seeking help. The employee managed to escape unscathed.
Shortly after the incident at McDonald’s, Gibbs made her way to San Marco Avenue and stopped at the Juniper Market. Marino and another individual were present when Gibbs reportedly struck up a friendly conversation before abruptly attacking Marino. The priest sustained a stab wound that pierced his lung, but prompt intervention by paramedics prevented a potentially deadly outcome.
The police have expressed that the assault appears to have been random, with no known prior connection between Gibbs and Marino. Gibbs has a past misdemeanor battery charge from September, which has raised questions about her recent behavior.
Law enforcement officers found Gibbs around 10:30 a.m. on the same day. However, before her apprehension, downtown St. Augustine experienced heightened police activity, with locals being urged to stay alert as the hunt for the assailant was in progress. Reports suggested that Gibbs was spotted on a bicycle during the search.
Following the incident, Trinity Baptist Parish was placed on lockdown as a safety measure while the police confirmed that the suspect posed no additional threat. Gibbs is currently detained without bond at the St. Johns County Jail as the investigation proceeds.