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Woman Charged With Stabbing Morton Hospital Worker Ordered To Undergo Evaluation

TAUNTON (CBS) -- The woman charged with stabbing a hospital worker in Taunton has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Victoria Disharoon, 28, was ordered held without bail at her arraignment Thursday in Taunton District Court.

A woman who works at Morton Hospital was taking a break outside Tuesday afternoon when, investigators say, Disharoon walked up behind her, pulled her ponytail and stabbed her several times in the back.

A court psychiatrist said Disharoon has a history of mental illness.

"She's having a mental health problem. She's been psychiatrically hospitalized at least once," said psychiatrist Dr. John Pearson.

Police said it was an "unprovoked attack." The 44-year-old woman was able to use her cell phone to take a photo of her attacker before she took off.

Taunton Hospital worker
Victoria Disharoon in court after being charged with stabbing a Morton Hospital worker. (WBZ-TV)

Police found Disharoon late Wednesday afternoon in Raynham and arrested her. They said she had a small pocket knife that's believed to have been used in the attack. She was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The wounded worker was treated in the hospital's emergency room, was released, and chose to finish her shift.

At court Thursday, Disharoon's father, Terry Parratt, told WBZ-TV that she has struggled with mental health issues for years.

"It's just a tough thing to deal with," her father said. "She basically said she snapped. And no reason, no rhyme. Just want let everyone know that mental illness is a real thing."

Parratt apologized to the victim for the attack.

"My deepest, heartfelt apologies go out to the victim. The person did not deserve this."

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