Shocking CCTV Footage Shows Stranger Stabbing Woman on Her Way to Work in Unprovoked Attack

Table of Contents

• The Incident
• About the Victim
• Details of the Attack
• Aftermath and Response
• The Suspect
• FAQs

This is the shocking moment a woman was stabbed by a stranger while on her way to work, with the unprovoked assault captured on CCTV.

Sushi chef Wan Lai, 26, was walking near the intersection of Little Bourke Street and Spencer Street in the CBD at around 7:40 AM on October 2 when her attacker struck.

The CCTV footage shows a woman running up behind Wan Lai.Credit: X As she approaches Ms. Lai, the alleged attacker pulls out a knife.Credit: X Ms. Lai is then stabbed once on the right side of her chest.Credit: X

The CCTV footage reveals that a woman ran up behind her, pulled out a knife, looked her in the eye, and then stabbed Ms. Lai once on the right side of her chest before fleeing.

Horrified bystanders rushed to assist her just moments after she collapsed, clutching her bleeding wound on the pavement.

Ms. Lai sustained a punctured lung from the attack.

Passersby provided aid until paramedics arrived, and she was quickly transported to the hospital.

The alleged attacker was captured on other CCTV cameras as she ran down various side streets.

A police spokesperson reported that Ms. Lai's injuries were not life-threatening.

It is believed she was hospitalized for three days while police searched for her alleged attacker.

A spokesperson stated: “Police conducted an extensive search of the area, arrested a woman, and seized a knife.”

“A 32-year-old woman was charged with intentionally causing injury and committing an indictable offense while on bail.”

Ms. Lai reported feeling someone touching her lower back just before the stabbing.

She suffered a hemopneumothorax, which caused blood and air to accumulate around her lung, making it difficult for her to breathe.

Ms. Lai’s sister told 7News that the attack could have been fatal.

Ivana told the news outlet: “She turned to her right this time and there was someone there — but what if she had turned to her left? It could have been her heart.”

Since the attack, Ms. Lai has been unable to work and expressed feeling unsafe in her former neighborhood.

Following the incident, she relocated to a new home where she feels more secure.

Her sister added that Ms. Lai “doesn’t dare to go out anymore.”

She mentioned: “She can't stand people walking behind her and constantly looks around nervously.” The alleged offender appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court the day after the incident and has been remanded in custody until her next appearance.

After stabbing Ms. Lai, the alleged attacker ran off. A passerby comes to assist Ms. Lai as she sits on the pavement.Credit: X