A Lithonia man faces an aggravated assault charge in the Tuesday stabbing.
DECATUR, Ga. — A woman was hospitalized after police said she was stabbed once in the back Tuesday afternoon while eating lunch outside a restaurant in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County police said the attack happened about 12:40 p.m. at the First Watch restaurant in the 2500 block of Blackmon Drive. Officers arrested 22-year-old Walter Scrutchings of Lithonia and charged him with aggravated assault.
Investigators said the woman was eating when a man approached and stabbed her. Police said she then ran or walked to a neighboring business for help. Emergency crews took her to a local hospital, where officials said she was expected to recover from her injuries.
Police have not released a motive. They also have not said whether Scrutchings and the woman knew each other before the attack. Authorities have described the case as an active investigation and have released few details about the moments before the stabbing.
People near the restaurant said the violence was unsettling for an area many residents view as safe. Topher Payne, a customer, said the attack was “shocking.” Charlie Cote, who lives nearby, said Decatur has long felt like a pedestrian-friendly community.
The stabbing happened during the lunch hour in a public dining area, adding to concern among customers and nearby shoppers. Alexis Hinton, who was in the area, described the attack as unsettling and said violence has seemed to appear in more places.
Scrutchings has not been convicted of a crime in the case. Police said the aggravated assault charge stems from the knife attack, and investigators are expected to keep reviewing witness accounts and other evidence tied to the restaurant scene.
Author note: Last updated May 21, 2026.