On Thursday, shortly before 12:00 a.m., Mesa Police Department officers responded to the QT store located at 3563 E Main St., in reference to a call about a stabbing.
Officer found an adult female victim who was stabbed in the back with a 6 inch knife. Subsequent investigation revealed, as she was exiting her vehicle to enter the store, the suspect ran out of the shadows behind her and stabbed her in the back. She had no warning and no idea the suspect was behind her when this occurred. She entered the QT with the knife still lodged in her back and collapsed at the front desk.
The suspect ran from the scene toward Val Vista Rd but was observed by the Air Unit fleeing the area. He was contacted by Mesa Police officers and quickly identified as the suspect due to the clothing and physical description provided.
The suspect admitted to stabbing the victim in the back and using Methamphetamine earlier in the day. The victim is currently in very critical condition at the hospital. The victim does not know the suspect.
The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old James Narcel Heard and he was charged with one count of Attempted Second Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon.