Advertisement

Woman Arrested in Attack on Ex-Fiance

Share

A 32-year-old Ventura woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after she stabbed her former fiance repeatedly in the back because he wanted to break up, Ventura police said Sunday.

Jeannette Smith is accused of stabbing Jeffrey Saur, 41, also of Ventura, after she forced Saur to stop the car as they drove east along California 126 just west of Victoria Avenue about 5 p.m. Saturday, police said.

After the car stopped, Smith began cutting herself with a knife, then turned the weapon on Saur, stabbing him several times in the back, police said.

Advertisement

Smith was treated for her injuries and later released to sheriff’s deputies at the Ventura County Jail. Saur was listed in fair condition Sunday in the intensive care unit at Ventura County Medical Center.

Several drivers passing on the highway witnessed the attack, according to police. Motorist Matthew Halpert of West Hills was credited by police with saving Saur’s life when he intervened and prevented Smith from continuing the assault.

Smith and Saur were engaged to be married, but the engagement was broken when the relationship began to fail, police said. The couple was in the midst of moving possessions when the attack began.

Smith is being held at Ventura County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder in lieu of $250,000 bail. She is scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Municipal Court on Wednesday.

Advertisement