ICYMI: Arlington Woman Tries To Launch Race War At Stop and Shop, Say Police

A schizophrenic woman snuck up behind an Arlington Stop and Shop cashier and put a knife to his throat on Tuesday, according to police.

After her arrest, she allegedly told police, “I want black people to start an armed rebellion against white oppression.”

Elaine Koenig, 55, of Arlington, also said she only meant to call attention to her cause by making a scene, and never actually intended to harm anyone.

Also, mental illness causes people to do strange things they wouldn’t normally do some of the time, so, y’know, let’s all go ahead and not be too hard on her.

Her alleged intention to start a race war with violence bears eerie resemblance to the “Helter Skelter” end-times pseudo-prophecy of the infamous Manson Family, which inspired them to murder seven people in the late ‘60s in California.

However, as Koenig was only approximately 9 years old when Charles Manson’s disciples stormed the home of actress Sharon Tate in 1969, it is unlikely that there is any direct affiliation. Also, unlike Koenig, Manson and his followers absolutely intended to hurt people.

Arlington Police say they arrived at the 905 Mass Ave. supermarket at 10:18 p.m., responding to a report of a knife-wielding individual threatening a cashier. Koenig was already restrained by Stop and Shop workers when police got there.

The cashier explained that Koenig grabbed him from behind while he was ringing up merchandise, and put a knife to his throat. Fortunately, he had the wherewithal to grab Koenig’s arm and maneuver her onto the floor. He told police his fellow employees immediately rushed over to help.

Koenig was yelling “War Against Race!” all the while, according to police.

The race of the cashier Koenig allegedly assaulted is not specified in the arrest report.

Koenig was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Following her arrest, police were made aware of her history of schizophrenia.

Photo Credit: Arlington Police Department

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