Knife-Wielding Senior Arrested By Police

Manchester Township Police Car (Photo by Micromedia Publications)

MANCHESTER – Police said a senior citizen walking down the street wielding a kitchen knife was disarmed without any injuries.

  Police were called to the area of Nevada Drive and Louisiana Way in the Cedar Glen Lakes section of the township. Witnesses said a woman was walking down the street, holding a knife, and stabbing the hood of an occupied car. The incident took place at around 12:45 p.m. on May 24.

  Patrolman Anthony Iliadis was the first officer to arrive. He saw Margaret Dennis, 74, of Whiting, walking down the middle of Arizona Drive holding a large kitchen knife.

  He began speaking to her, but she ignored requests to drop the knife. While she was distracted by him, another officer, Patrolman Arthur Cronk, snuck up behind. He grabbed her hand and removed the knife, without injuries to himself or to the suspect.

  It was learned that she had stabbed a random passerby’s vehicle and was in the process of walking to a local family member’s residence to cause a confrontation.  

  She was charged with possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and criminal mischief. During the investigation, Ms. Dennis was subsequently transported to Community Medical Center for treatment and evaluation.   

  Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.