Good Samaritans help capture suspect in attempted robbery

Police say suspect tried to rob shopper at knifepoint

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 35-year-old woman is in custody, following a knife attack on another woman in a grocery store parking lot.

Bloomfield Township Police say the assault happened late Tuesday afternoon at the Hollywood Market on Opdyke north of Square Lake.

The victim was attacked while putting groceries into her car. Police say the other woman was trying to get her purse.

"The victim was on her back. The attacker was stabbing her hands and at the same time taking stuff out of her wallet," said Alfonso Laster, who witnessed the attack.

Laster said another man tripped the attacker. He and Laster held her down until police arrived.

Shamekia Ballentine, 35, was charged with armed robbery and felonious assault. She remains in custody.

The 56-year-old victim suffered a knife wound to her hand. She was treated and released.

Why did Laster get involved?

"I just go with the philosophy that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves," he said.