A commute near the Arizona State University campus turned into a scene of chaos and violence earlier this month, resulting in a woman being hospitalized with more than a dozen stab wounds. Authorities have arrested 34-year-old Allante Wallace in connection with the February 12 attack, charging her with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident unfolded on a Valley Metro light rail train as it moved through Tempe. According to police reports and surveillance footage, the encounter began shortly after the 42-year-old victim boarded the train and took a seat across from Wallace.
The video shows the victim eventually standing up and hovering over Wallace, which investigators say sparked a physical struggle. Witnesses told police that a verbal confrontation preceded the physical fight.
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During the altercation, the victim was stabbed at least 14 times. Court documents detail a harrowing list of injuries, including wounds to both thighs, the abdomen, armpit, and jaw. After the attack, the suspect was seen on camera exiting the train while carrying a pizza box in one hand and a steak knife in the other.
The victim was rushed to a local hospital for emergency surgery. While her injuries were initially life-threatening, medical staff confirmed she has since been moved to stable condition.
Wallace did not remain at large for long. After reportedly consulting with a defense attorney, she contacted the police to turn herself in. During her initial court appearance, Wallace’s legal counsel argued that the stabbing was an act of self-defense.
Her attorney claimed Wallace felt she had “no other choice” but to protect herself, noting that other passengers on the train did not intervene during the heated exchange.
The judicial system is currently weighing those claims against the severity of the force used. For now, Wallace remains in custody, with a judge setting her bond at $350,000 as the legal proceedings move forward.
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