‘Good Samaritans’ stabbed in parking lot brawl

SEMMES, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said two ‘good Samaritans’ were stabbed multiple times in the Semmes Wal-Mart parking lot.

Authorities said the incident started when 26-year-old Jessie Reid and 53-year-old Sandra Jarman approached a self-proclaimed Evangelist who was preaching in the parking lot.

“I was preaching and the two people walked over,” said Gene Duffy, who was found a few hours later preaching at a different Wal-Mart parking lot.  “They come over, and he put a gun to my head. And he said was going to kill me. And she put a knife and said, ‘If he don't do you, I will.’”

Deputies said the two threatened Duffy with a knife and handgun, ordering him to stop preaching. 

Officials say a bystander, 36-year-old Kenneth Cushman, who was inside a nearby New Horizon Credit Union attempted to intervene.

“Two guys came and they ran interference,” said Duffy. “A couple of guys ran up to confront him.”

Deputies said Jarman stabbed Cushman multiple times in the back. 

The sheriff’s office said another bystander, 22-year-old Steven Stuart, attempted to assist and was also stabbed in the back four to five times. 

The suspects fled the scene and were later apprehended by MCSO patrol units. 

Authorities said Cushman and Stuart are being treated at USA Medical Center for severe but non-life threatening injuries. 

Duffy said he has been praying for the two good Samaritans since the incident. The parking lot preacher said he is grateful.

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” said Duffy.

Authorities said a 16-year-old male is also being detained.

Deputies said Jarman is charged with two counts of first degree assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, attempting to elude police, resisting arrest and carrying a pistol without a permit. 

Reid is charged with two counts of first degree assault, contributing to delinquency of a minor, attempting to elude police and carrying pistol without a permit.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.