18-year-old Springfield woman charged in alleged ice-pick assault

Suspect accused of stabbing man in fight over a parking spot.

News-Leader Staff • December 22, 2009

A Springfield woman has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action after allegedly stabbing a man several times with an ice pick Sunday following a dispute over a parking space.

Caitlen S. Watkins, 18, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged Monday by Greene County prosecutors.

A probable cause statement filed in the case says the assault took place outside the EntertainMart store at 3020 S. Glenstone Ave.

The victim, Lonnie Sowersby, 29, told police he parked his vehicle and was walking toward the store when two people in another car began "yelling, cussing and 'flipping' him off," the report says. "He said when he walked near the suspect vehicle (the driver) grabbed his coat near the sleeve," the report said.

The driver, Dustin P. Venengers, 25, of Springfield, has not been charged. He and Watkins -- a passenger in the car -- told police after their arrest that Sowersby "cut them off" and took a parking space they were going to use.

Watkins -- reportedly the one incensed by the parking dispute -- then gave Sowersby the middle finger, sparking a confrontation at the car window.

As Sowersby and Venengers reportedly struggled, Watkins got out of the car and walked behind Sowersby, stabbing him with the ice pick, the document says.

After being stabbed, Sowersby "said he turned around and punched Watkins in the face, to get her off him," the report says As Sowersby continued to grapple with Venengers, Watkins allegedly got up and stabbed him several more times.

The document says Sowersby suffered a total of six stab wounds in the back and sides, including a punctured kidney. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Watkins and Venengers were arrested a short time later based on a vehicle description and license plate number provided by witnesses. Police also recovered a 4 1/2-inch ice pick on the floor board of the car, the probable cause statement says.

After being read her Miranda rights, Watkins allegedly confessed stabbing Sowersby, the report says.

From: http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009912220363