ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – A serene Wednesday turned chaotic in St. Augustine when a woman allegedly attacked a local priest, leaving residents rattled by the random act of violence. Ariena Gibbs, 22, stands accused of stabbing Father Matt Marino of Trinity Baptist Parish, shaking the community’s sense of safety.
Trouble began early morning at a McDonald’s on North Ponce De Leon Boulevard, where Gibbs, knife in hand, approached an employee. The worker narrowly avoided harm as Gibbs moved on, spearheading a series of alarming events.
Riding a bike, Gibbs soon found herself outside Juniper Market on San Marco Avenue, where the attack escalated. A casual “Excuse me sir,” gave way to an unexpected and vicious stabbing of Father Marino, whose lung was punctured. Quick medical intervention proved vital, saving the priest’s life.
Authorities assert the attack was random, with the suspect and victim previously unfamiliar. Gibbs’s record shows a similar misdemeanor incident from last month, leading many to question what fueled her actions this time around.
The downtown area was momentarily thrust into high alert as law enforcement sought Gibbs, eventually apprehending her at around 10:30 a.m.
In the meantime, authorities ensured safety by securing Trinity Baptist Parish with lockdown protocols.
Now held in St. Johns County Jail without bail, Gibbs faces severe charges, leaving St. Augustine to grapple with an unsettling crime seemingly without motive.