Westminster : Police Arrest Woman Following Knife Attacks

A Westminster woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in connection with knife attacks on a man and woman early Friday morning, police said.

Teresa Ruth Powell, 25, was being held in Orange County Jail, where her bail had not been set, according to Larry Woessner, a police spokesman.

Powell allegedly stabbed Kathleen Dee Nichols, 25, of Garden Grove, following an argument at about 4:15 a.m. outside her home, police said.

Nichols fled, and Powell drove off in Nichols’ car in which Thomas Robert Wadsworth, 32, of Anaheim was sleeping, Woessner said.

When Wadsworth awoke, he struggled with Powell, who slashed him with the knife before fleeing on foot, Woessner said.

Wadsworth drove to the Westminster police station where he reported the incident to officers, Woessner said. Powell arrived at the station moments later to tell her own story and was booked into custody, he said.

Police have no motive for the attacks, Woessner said.

Nichols was taken to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, where she was reported in serious condition in the intensive care unit.