In a shocking incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon, chaos erupted when Damaris Milton, a 44-year-old from Orlando, Florida, embarked on a stabbing spree that left three people injured, including an Atlanta Police Officer.
Atlanta Police Officer Reveals: Initial Target in Airport Stabbing Spree Was Taxicab Driver (Photo: WABE)
Confrontation Escalates at the Airport
In a recent report published by Live 5 News, in October 12, 2023, the bizarre sequence of events unfolded as Milton, seemingly unhinged, initiated her attack during a taxi ride to the airport including an Atlanta Police Officer. The cab driver, Selemon Melkamu, became an unwitting victim as Milton stabbed him in the right upper chest while hurtling down 285 South. The shocking details outlined in the incident report reveal a chaotic series of events that began on the highway and escalated within the confines of the airport.
As Milton made her way into the airport premises, law enforcement officers were confronted with a volatile situation that led to the stabbing of an Atlanta Police Officer. Desperate attempts to neutralize the threat ensued, with officers urging Milton to drop her knife. Despite deploying a Taser, their efforts were thwarted by Milton’s thick clothing, and the confrontation escalated. A pivotal moment occurred when Lieutenant David Cannon, attempting to subdue Milton with pepper spray, found himself slipping on the sprayed surface.
In a shocking turn of events, Milton seized the opportunity to stab Atlanta Police Officer Lieutenant Cannon in the left leg. The swift response of Officer Corey Hadley, who managed to tackle Milton to the ground and disarm her, prevented further harm. The incident, witnessed by bewildered travelers like Mitch Jergensen, unfolded with unexpected ferocity, prompting heightened security measures in the aftermath.
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Recovery and Legal Proceedings
According to the news released by Yahoo News, the aftermath saw all three stabbing victims including the Atlanta Police Officer rushed to the hospital, fortunately with wounds that were not deemed life-threatening. A sigh of relief echoed as the Atlanta Police Officer Lieutenant Cannon was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, beginning his path to recovery. Meanwhile, the accused, Damaris Milton, faces the legal repercussions of her rampage.
Charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Milton appeared before a Clayton County Magistrate judge for a formal reading of her charges. As the airport returns to relative normalcy, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of security threats, prompting authorities to announce increased patrols throughout the airport to ensure the safety of all travelers.
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