A Packwood woman who allegedly threatened to kill another woman with a knife during a dispute early Wednesday morning is claiming that she acted in self defense, according to her attorney.
Dawnette Wicks, 42, is accused of grabbing a 12- to 14-inch knife from her vehicle, holding the knife above her head and bringing it down “in a stabbing motion” while verbally threatening to kill the alleged victim.
“The allegations in this case are very troubling,” said Deputy Prosecutor Joe Bassetti at Wicks’ preliminary appearance on May 26.
The victim reportedly told police that Wicks attacked her after she attempted to visit an ex-boyfriend’s apartment in the 600 block of Cannon Road in Packwood. The victim reportedly spoke to the ex-boyfriend in his apartment while Wicks was present, then left the residence, according to court documents.
The victim then “decided to return” to the ex-boyfriend’s apartment, but as she approached, Wicks reportedly “exited the apartment, approached (the victim), and struck (the victim) in the face, knocking her to the ground.” The victim then reportedly “threw the phone that belonged to Wicks,” breaking it. Wicks then went to her vehicle and retrieved the knife, according to court documents.
“Ms. Wicks would like the court to know that this was in self defense,” said defense attorney Rachael Tiller.
According to Tiller, the alleged victim was the one who instigated the confrontation, and because the victim broke her phone, Wicks was unable to call for help. Tiller added that Wicks did try to leave before resorting to picking up the knife.
Wicks reportedly drove away from the scene and was located by a Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy after the victim reported the incident. Wicks allegedly admitted to punching the victim during the altercation, but denied the presence of a knife until the deputy located it in her vehicle.
Wicks was booked into the Lewis County Jail just after 5 a.m. on May 26 and faces one count each of second-degree assault and harassment, threat to kill.
Judge James W. Lawler set Wicks’ bail at $25,000. Her next court appearance is an arraignment hearing scheduled for Thursday, June 3.
