Arizona State University (ASU) sophomore Matthew McCormick intervened on September 19th after a 19-year-old student allegedly began stabbing a fellow student.
McCormick's actions to clear the assault charge likely saved the victim, Mara, from further injury, FOX 10 News reported. reported. Police say the suspect is 19-year-old student Casey Sloan.
Court documents say Sloan chose the victim because she appeared to be a “more likely target.”
“I've never seen anything like this, and I hope it never happens again,” McCormick said. He recalled how he was beginning to settle into class when he heard Mara's screams and realized she had been stabbed. “At that moment, I wasn't really thinking about anything, I just knew that I felt like I had to do something,” he said. (Related: 'He roared like an animal': Casino camera captures man's stabbing rampage that forced police to shoot)
Matthew McCormick's quick actions may have saved the life of a classmate who was stabbed in class at ASU West. https://t.co/5iebGwTpQG
— FOX10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) September 27, 2024
“When she was about to attack a third time, I was able to grab her wrist and capture her before any further damage was done,” McCormick added. He also said he wasn't the only one reacting to the situation.
“Everyone in that room did a great job. The EMTs, the paramedics, the police. They all responded really well. The 9-1-1 call was very instantaneous and no one It looked like it was locked in and knew what to do,” McCormick said.
Mara was taken to hospital and required surgery for injuries to his triceps and rib cage. She also had a wound to her spleen. The surgery was successful and Mara is recovering and returning home. McCormick told reporters he hopes she returns to class and that everyone will miss her.
“ASU Police Department has filed a lawsuit with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in connection with the September 19 stabbing of a student on campus,” an Arizona State University spokesperson told the Daily Caller. “Casey Sloan was immediately taken into custody and arrested on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, interference with an educational institution, and disorderly conduct.”
“ASU and the entire ASU West Valley campus community are deeply saddened by the events that occurred. ASU West Valley is a close-knit community of students, faculty, and staff. We would like to thank everyone who intervened quickly and provided assistance. Our thoughts remain with all those affected,” the spokesperson added.
Sloan's bond was set at $250,000 cash, FOX 10 reported.
Mara's neighbors set up a GoFundMe page This is to raise funds to support Mara during her recovery. So far, they have managed to raise more than $18,000 of their $20,000 goal. “We know Mara will emerge stronger than ever from this unimaginable attack. Thank you to everyone who is contributing!” the page read.
