Worthington woman arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon – The Globe

WORTHINGTON – Shanika Blanchard, 29, of Worthington, is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and fifth-degree assault following an incident on Sept. 30 in Worthington.

According to the law enforcement report, Worthington police officers were dispatched to an apartment complex after reports of a “large fight.” While officers were en route, dispatch sent word that the fight appeared to have broken up and a red van was seen leaving the scene. Shortly afterwards, the officers saw a red van driving towards them at high speed. The deputy driver positioned the car so that the van could not pass.

As an officer approached the vehicle, a victim reportedly exited the vehicle crying and screaming with a rag on one arm. When the victim removed the rag, the officer discovered a stab wound. Another person was also in the van and both they and the victim reported that Blanchard stabbed the victim. The officer advised the couple to continue to the emergency room.

After speaking with numerous witnesses, officers learned that an altercation between relatives occurred when a second victim went to Blanchard’s home to retrieve a kitten that supposedly belonged to them. This victim reported that they met with Blanchard’s daughter, who refused to give them the kitten, and an argument ensued. The victim said the daughter began hitting them as they followed her downstairs.

Family members, including the first victim, were called in to defuse the situation. The first victim said he was stabbed with a “thin kitchen knife” by Blanchard when he tried to help. They alleged that Blanchard pressured her daughter into sacrifice to keep the fight going. The second victim’s mother eventually broke up the fight and the victim stated that they were punched and “stomped” by Blanchard.

The second victim was visibly upset and was reportedly punched in the face by Blanchard.

Another witness said he saw Blanchard with a long steak knife and saw her swinging it and stabbing the first victim during the fight. They alleged that Blanchard was the instigator of the fight.

Officers later returned to Blanchard’s home to find the knife, but it was not found. Blanchard was subsequently arrested and taken to the Nobles County Jail where she made a statement. She said the second victim refused to leave the apartment after repeated requests and began the physical part of the fight.

Blanchard will appear in Nobles County Fifth District Court on Oct. 9.

Note: This article was written based on information reported by local law enforcement. The Globe reminds readers that all people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Southwest Crisis Center is available in our community to support and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence. If you have questions about services or how you can help, contact the Southwest Crisis Center at 1-800-376-4311 or

mnswcc.org

. All references to the victim have been changed to “she” to protect the victim’s identity.

Hope Moural has been the Globe’s community editor since May 2024. Hope was born and raised in Nebraska, holds a double bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Concordia University, Nebraska, and previously worked as a general assignment reporter.