Fort Myers Police release new details of Publix stabbing attack

The Fort Myers Police Department has released new details about the Publix stabbing that occurred Wednesday night.

Police arrested 18-year-old Gabriel Solomon at approximately 8:40 p.m. after receiving a report of a stabbing at a Publix on Lee Boulevard.

According to the arrest report, the victim was found in the back of the store, visibly traumatized and in need of medical attention.

She later explained to paramedics that she was randomly attacked, suffering a puncture wound on her neck and a hand injury.

After the incident, a witness grabbed Solomon and tackled him to the floor to stop him.

Initially uncooperative, Solomon eventually admitted to the attack, claiming voices in his head told him to find someone at Publix but not to harm anyone.

He confessed to stabbing the victim with scissors and throwing a wine bottle at her.

Security footage showed Solomon following the victim and committing the attack. The footage also helped recover the scissors and wine bottle used in the incident.

The victim decided to press charges against Solomon.

Solomon’s father later revealed that his son had behavioral issues and had recently been placed under a Baker Act.

“Solomon is not diagnosed with any mental health illnesses and is not prescribed any medication. Solomon’s father told police that Solomon would benefit from mental health intervention,” the police report stated.

Solomon is being charged with attempted second-degree murder.

Fort Myers Police reported that 18-year-old Gabriel Solomon claimed he was hearing voices that led him to the store, armed with a pair of scissors. These voices reportedly told him not to harm anyone.

WINK News Safety and Security Specialist Kristen Ziman made a statement about the incident.

“No one in a shopping center should ever have to endure anything like this,” said Ziman.

Security video from the store showed Solomon following a woman before stabbing her in the neck from behind. Solomon’s father mentioned that his son had been placed under the Baker Act, though he had no formal mental health diagnosis or medication.

“It’s not a long-term solution, so it allows for a short-term mental health evaluation, typically up to 72 hours, but that doesn’t guarantee long-term treatment,” said Ziman.

Ziman emphasized the importance of family and community intervention when signs of mental health issues appear.

“Families, a community, our mental health evaluations system and the community at large to tackle this problem in the level of complexity that it is,” she said.

Customers at the store expressed safety concerns and said they planned to be more cautious. Ziman advised calling 911 immediately in situations like this.

The woman who was attacked is in stable condition at the hospital, according to Fort Myers Police.