Maplewood woman charged with attempted murder in CVS police stabbing
Jowharah Bilal, 49, of Maplewood, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault after allegedly stabbing a Maplewood police sergeant on July 21, 2026.[1]
Charging documents say Sgt. Anthony Gabriel was speaking with Bilal about alleged threats and shoplifting when she suddenly pulled a knife and repeatedly stabbed him.[1] A nearby witness who helped disarm Bilal was her adult son, who told police she has experienced serious mental health issues for years but refuses treatment.[1] Bilal allegedly admitted taking merchandise but said she returned it and apologized.[1] She told investigators she grabbed a knife after being told she was under arrest but did not remember using it.[1] Bilal also told investigators the officer 'must have been a robot' because she did not see blood.[1] She is scheduled for a first appearance in Ramsey County District Court on July 23, 2026.[1]
Police were called July 21 after store employees reported a woman who had allegedly shoplifted and made threats, and Sgt. Gabriel responded to speak with the woman, according to charging documents.[1]
Initial reports published the day of the attack said one person was in custody.[2] Updated reporting and charging documents released July 23 named Bilal and charged her with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault.[1]
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📌 Key Facts
- Suspect identified as 49-year-old Maplewood resident Jowharah Bilal.
- Ramsey County has charged Bilal with one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of first-degree assault for the July 21, 2026 stabbing.
- Charging documents say Maplewood Sgt. Anthony Gabriel was speaking with Bilal about alleged threats and shoplifting when she suddenly pulled a knife and repeatedly stabbed him.
- A nearby witness who intervened and helped disarm Bilal was her adult son, who told police she has experienced serious mental health issues for years but refuses treatment.
- Bilal allegedly admitted taking merchandise but said she returned it and apologized, claimed she grabbed a knife after being told she was under arrest but did not remember using it, and told investigators the officer 'must have been a robot' because she did not see blood.
- Bilal is scheduled for a first appearance in Ramsey County District Court on July 23, 2026.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Suspect identified as 49-year-old Maplewood resident Jowharah Bilal.
- Ramsey County has charged Bilal with one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of first-degree assault for the July 21 stabbing.
- Charging documents say Maplewood Sgt. Anthony Gabriel was speaking with Bilal about alleged threats and shoplifting when she suddenly pulled a knife and repeatedly stabbed him.
- A nearby witness who intervened and helped disarm Bilal was her adult son, who told police she has experienced serious mental health issues for years but refuses treatment.
- Bilal allegedly admitted taking merchandise but claimed she returned it and apologized, said she grabbed a knife after being told she was under arrest but did not remember using it, and told investigators the officer "must have been a robot" because she did not see blood.
- Bilal is scheduled for a first appearance in Ramsey County District Court on July 23, 2026.