BRIDGETON, Mo. — Bridgeton Police Department confirmed Monday that it was investigating a stabbing at the SSM Health DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton.
Bridgeton police said in a release that two people were stabbed and a 30-year-old woman was in custody. According to the St. Louis County prosecutor, the woman, 30-year-old Jimissa Rivers, stabbed a nurse and a paramedic with a knife, causing serious injuries.
Witnesses were able to restrain Rivers until police could arrive. She was taken into custody.
The two victims are being treated for their injuries at the hospital. A witness told 5 On Your Side's Robert Townsend that the nurse was stabbed in the neck and back.
The stabbing happened shortly before 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Rivers was charged with two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action. Her bond was set at $2 million.
SSM provided the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened and shaken by the tragic incident at SSM Health DePaul Hospital today. Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured colleagues, their loved ones and all of those who have been affected. Our priority is the health and safety of all our team members, patients and the community we serve.
"As a faith-based, Catholic health care system, we believe deeply in the power of prayer and in God’s healing presence – and we ask the community to join us in praying for healing of our friends and colleagues. We are focused on providing the appropriate medical, mental health and pastoral care as long as necessary. We are grateful for the response of our hospital security team and Bridgeton Police Department who quickly took the suspect into custody. As we continue to gather information and partner with the police in their investigation we will provide updates as appropriate.”
This is a developing story. The story will be updated as more information is confirmed.
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Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to "stabilize inner-city neighborhoods." One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with St. Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.