Woman Stabbed Multiple Times At Union County Liquor Store: Police

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A stabbing occurred at a liquor store in Hillside Friday night, according to Hillside Police.

The father of the victim, a 27-year-old woman of Hillside, told police that she had been stabbed multiple times while at Mayfair Liquors, 1444 North Broad Street in Hillside, at around 9 p.m. Police said the woman was driven to Beth Israel Hospital after the stabbing occurred.

An investigation conducted by Hillside officers and detectives found that the woman had been followed into the liquor store by a former friend — Daja Harris, 23, also of Hillside. Police said Harris was there with two other women and two men who waited outside.

While inside the liquor store, police said a dispute between the two women quickly devolved into a physical altercation.

During the altercation, police said Harris used a knife to stab the woman in the chest and back. The woman was able to eventually wrestle the knife from Harris' hand and exit the store, police said. She received additional cuts to her hands in the process, according to police.

Police said the woman was then brought to the hospital by a friend.

The victim is in stable condition and expected to survive her injuries, according to police. Officers recovered the weapon used, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hillside Police detectives have issued a criminal warrant for the arrest of Harris. She was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The Hillside Police Department is actively seeking Harris. Police advises that if she is seen or her whereabouts are known to do not approach her. Instead, police say to call Hillside Police at 973-926-5800 immediately or report it on the tips app, "HillsidePD." Callers may remain anonymous.