Woman Describes Knife-Wielding Man's Attack On Her Car, Praises Police
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - What was supposed to be an enjoyable drive to get a cup of coffee quickly became a terrifying knife attack in Boulder.
Shana Boutté and her boyfriend were on their way to Starbucks last Saturday afternoon when they first spotted a man and police officer standing on the median near Baseline and Broadway.
"He was ranting and looked like he was having a psychotic break," Boutté said of the man staring at the police officer, "and the next thing I know there was this knife and he was going after the officer."
Boulder Police said the officer repeatedly pleaded for the suspect to drop the knife. When he refused, the officer deployed his taser, but there was no visible effect on the suspect.
Boutté told CBS4 that's when the knife-wielding man made his way toward her car.
"He stabbed the car in the hood first," she said, "he stabbed it a second time, but when he and I made eye contact, all I saw was the blade coming through the windshield right at my face."
Boutté said the man then tried opening her door and the back passenger door, but luckily both were locked. Neither Boutté or her boyfriend were hurt.
"Thank God the car was there because had we been walking together it would've been really horrible," Boutté said.
Police said the suspect was tased a second time with no effect as he moved further into traffic. Eventually, William Carter, 49, surrendered and was taken into custody. Carter is now facing multiple charges, including assault and attempted second degree murder.
"I forgave him as it was happening," Boutté said.
Although she is still a bit shaken up by what happened, Boutté said she is thankful for how first responders handled the attack.
"The police officer who was there first was incredible and compassionate," she said.
"I think that all first responders from every police department in the country need to observe, learn and see what Boulder Police have done to understand and support people with mental illness."
It is not clear if Carter was under the influence of any alcohol or drugs or if he has any mental illness. Police said he has a history of assault, domestic violence and burglary. Carter is being held at the Boulder County Jail.
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now reports for CBS4 News at 10 and is always open to story ideas. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.
