New Jersey Woman Buys Knives, Then Stabs Shopper After Checkout Line Dispute
KEARNY, N.J. — What started as an argument over a slow checkout line at a Marshalls store in New Jersey turned into a violent attack, police said.
According to the Kearny Police Department, 25-year-old Amber Thompson became enraged Saturday afternoon when she believed another customer was taking too long in line. Witnesses said Thompson threatened the woman before both exited the store.
Once the victim and her family reached their car in the parking lot, police say Thompson purchased a set of knives, opened the packaging, and chased the woman down, stabbing her multiple times in front of witnesses.
Attack Leaves Shopper Hospitalized
The victim, whose name has not been released, was rushed to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said the quick response from officers and bystanders helped prevent the situation from escalating further.
After the stabbing, Thompson allegedly ran back inside the Marshalls store and hid in a bathroom, where officers later found her.
“She was discovered hiding with a bloody knife placed on top of a baby changing station,” police said in a statement.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
Thompson was arrested on-site and is now facing aggravated assault and multiple weapons-related charges. Authorities are still investigating what led to the argument and whether Thompson and the victim knew each other prior to the altercation.
A spokesperson for Marshalls released a statement following the incident:
“We are aware of the incident that occurred in the parking lot outside of our store last week. At Marshalls, the safety and security of our associates and customers is important to us, and we’re grateful for the swift response of the Kearny Police Department.”
Shoppers Stunned by the Attack
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, saying the attack unfolded in seconds. “She just snapped,” one shopper told local media. “It went from an argument in line to screaming outside the store — then everyone realized she had a knife.”
The Kearny Police Department confirmed that surveillance footage and witness statements are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Community Concerns Over Store Safety
The violent outburst has reignited public discussion about retail safety and customer aggression. Many shoppers expressed concerns over how quickly a minor disagreement turned into a dangerous situation.
Police urged residents to stay calm during confrontations and immediately report any threatening behavior to store staff or law enforcement.
As of Thursday, Thompson remained in custody pending her first court appearance. The victim is recovering and expected to be released from the hospital later this week.
Residents in Kearny or nearby communities who witnessed the incident are encouraged to contact the Kearny Police Department with additional information.
Community members can share their reactions to the shocking Marshalls incident and discuss retail safety experiences at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
