Slow Checkout Line Caused a Woman to Buy a Knife and Stab Another Customer in New Jersey

A shopping trip in Hudson County took a shocking turn when a woman allegedly stabbed another customer outside a Marshalls store in Kearny. Authorities say the attack happened after an argument over how long the checkout line was taking.

Dispute Over Checkout Line Turns Violent

According to police, 25-year-old Amber I. Thompson of Newark began arguing with another shopper around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday inside the Marshalls on Passaic Avenue. The dispute reportedly started over “the speed of the checkout line.”

Suspect Bought Knives Before the Attack

Police say that after the argument, the victim and her family left the store and began walking toward their car. Thompson allegedly bought a set of kitchen knives from the store, opened the package, and followed the woman into the parking lot.

Investigators say Thompson then “removed one from the box, then pursued the victim in the parking lot, ultimately stabbing her multiple times.”

Victim Hospitalized; Suspect Found Inside Store

Responding officers found the victim with several stab wounds to her torso and clothing covered in blood. She was taken to a nearby hospital, and officials said her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

Police later found Thompson hiding in the Marshalls bathroom, where they discovered a kitchen knife “lying atop the baby changing station.” She was taken into custody at the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced what charges Thompson will face.

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