The video captures 42-year-old Stephanie Gibbs cursing, throwing glass and fleeing the scene almost hitting pedestrians.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Following the circulation of a viral video capturing a high-tension episode outside a Publix in Jacksonville’s Westside, a local woman now faces aggravated assault charges, as stated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred July 18 in the parking lot near 103rd Street, where a Jeep can be seen cutting off a Honda, igniting a heated confrontation.
Police identified the woman involved as 42-year-old Stephanie Gibbs.
Two victims told police Gibbs exited her vehicle and engaged in an aggressive dispute outside the store, according to the arrest report.
When people stepped in to intervene, she responded with raised voices and profanity.
The footage reveals the noise of shattering glass just before Gibbs accelerated towards the store’s entrance, coming perilously close to hitting pedestrians as she exited the area at considerable speed, based on the arrest report.
We spoke with our crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson about this situation.
“I can’t say if she intended to hit anybody, but it qualifies as an aggravated assault since she used a vehicle and potentially could have harmed someone,” explained Jefferson. “Her actions were reckless, leading to her arrest.”
Gibbs is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, a third-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of up to five years or more.
Jefferson warned about the seriousness of such incidents and urged people to avoid confrontation.
“Walk away, contact the police and give a good description to help law enforcement,” Jefferson said. “You never know who’s going to introduce a weapon or act unpredictably when angry.”
Gibbs is out on bond and scheduled to appear in court Aug. 11.
