James Branch, 37, of Wilmington, has been charged with multiple offenses including attempted carjacking, assault and possession of a deadly weapon after police said he attacked a woman and tried to steal her car outside the ShopRite on the 500 block of S. Walnut Street around 6:15 p.m.
Police said the 32-year-old woman left the store and was getting into her car in the parking lot when Branch reopened the driver's side door to her car and began to get into the vehicle.
The victim told police that he grabbed her car keys and began trying to start the vehicle while she was in the front passenger seat.
As the woman attempted to exit the vehicle through the passenger side door, Branch allegedly stabbed her with a knife
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A 67-year-old man heard her screaming and tried to intervene by attempting to open the driver's side door of her car. He said Branch then got out of the car and threatened to kill him with a knife.
The man said he retreated back to his own car. Branch allegedly followed him and attempted to open the driver's side door of his vehicle but was unsuccessful.
Police said he then ran away, but was found a short while later nearby.
The woman was taken to the Christiana Hospital in stable condition. She had several wounds to her thigh, ankle and elbow.
A knife was recovered from a storm drain on the block, according to police.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Mike Wilkerson at (302) 576-3638.
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