An ASU West student's quick thinking likely saved his classmate in a knife attack

GLENDALE, Ariz. – An ASU West student entered an on-campus classroom on Sept. 19 and was stabbed by another student.

Fortunately, there were others who intervened and saved the victim from further injury.

Court documents tell the story of a 19-year-old student who planned an attack and chose the victim named Mara because she seemed to be an “easier target.”

The quick action of a witness named Matthew McCormick likely saved Mara's life.

“I’ve never seen anything like it and I hope I never do it again,” McCormick said.

McCormick, a ASU West Sophomore says he was just getting used to class last Thursday when he heard his classmate Mara screaming. That's when he realized she had been stabbed.

“There wasn't really a thought going through my mind at that moment, I just knew I had an urge to do something,” McCormick said.

Police say fellow student Kaci Sloan stabbed Mara twice before McCormick could intervene.

“As she was planning a third attack, I was able to grab her by the wrists and arrest her before any further damage could be done,” he said.

Mara was taken to Banner Thunderbird Hospital and underwent surgery for stab wounds to her triceps and ribcage area where the knife cut into her spleen.

She is now back home but has a long recovery ahead of her.

McCormick says he wasn't the only one in the class who stepped in and helped Mara.

“It was a great job by everyone who was in that room, the emergency responders, the paramedics and the police. Everyone reacted very, very well. Emergency calls were pretty instantaneous and everyone seemed pretty locked in and knew what to do,” he said.

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McCormick says he hopes to meet Mara's family soon, but for now is hoping for a full recovery for his classmate.

“We miss you. For you and your family, I pray for your return and I'm just so grateful that your family was able to survive this tragedy,” he said.

Sloan faces several charges in connection with the stabbing, including attempted first-degree murder.

During her first court appearance, the judge said her actions were comparable to a school shooting and that her bail had been set at $250,000 cash only.