Damaris Milton, 44, from Orlando, Florida, waived her preliminary hearing on Monday regarding the stabbing incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last month. Milton faces four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident unfolded on October 11, when Milton, during a taxi ride from the Kensington MARTA station to the airport, allegedly stabbed taxi driver Selemon Melkamu. Melkamu reported that Milton attacked him near his shoulder and threw his phone out of the vehicle onto Interstate 285 south.
Upon reaching the airport’s South Terminal, Milton was monitored by police officers and a U.S. Deputy Marshal. She was seen attempting to attack a Delta employee with a knife. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Milton refused, and a subsequent attempt to incapacitate her with a Taser was ineffective due to her wearing multiple layers of clothing.
Milton then reportedly stabbed a police officer in the leg when he slipped during an attempt to use pepper spray. Another officer eventually subdued her by tackling her to the ground.
The taxi driver, the injured police officer, and the Delta employee were all transported to local hospitals for treatment and were later released. Milton was taken into custody and is currently held at the Clayton County Jail without bond.
The motive behind Milton’s alleged attacks remains unclear. A bond hearing for Milton is scheduled for Friday morning.
