ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The Trinity Parish priest Father Matt Marino was injured in a stabbing incident in Downtown St. Augustine Wednesday morning.
The St. Augustine Police Department alerted the public of heavy police presence in the Downtown area while they searched for a female suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Arieana Gibbs.
Gibbs was wanted for a stabbing that police said occurred around 8 a.m. near the corner of San Marco Avenue and Rohde Avenue. Police said she was last seen riding a bicycle. She was arrested around 10:30 a.m. a little further south in St. Johns County.
It was later revealed the stabbing incident was related to the injury Marino suffered that same morning. The police department said the stabbing appears to have been "random" and that Gibbs and Marino did not know each other. The Episcopal Diocese of Florida said Marino was stabbed while having coffee.
Trinity Parish sent an email out to its members after the incident saying Marino had been involved in a "deeply concerning event," and is "currently receiving excellent medical care in Jacksonville."
While the incident did not occur at the church, Trinity Parish was put on lockdown as a "precautionary measure" as St. Augustine law enforcement investigated the incident, the church stated.
Trinity Parish's full message to its members can be read below.
Dear Trinity Family,
It is with a heavy heart that we share news of a deeply concerning event this morning. Our beloved Fr. Matt was injured in an unfortunate incident and is currently receiving excellent medical care in Jacksonville. We are grateful for the immediate response of our local authorities and medical teams, who are working diligently to ensure his well-being.
In light of this situation, our church and school is currently on lockdown as a precautionary measure until law enforcement has resolved the matter. Please rest assured that the safety of our students, staff and parishioners is our utmost priority, and we will continue to follow all necessary protocols.
During this challenging time, we ask you to join us in prayer for Fr. Matt, his wife, Kari, and their loved ones. May God’s healing hand rest upon Fr. Matt, bringing him strength and comfort, and may His peace guide our hearts as we await further updates.
We will continue to keep you informed as we learn more. Until then, we lean on our faith and the power of prayer to bring us through this difficult moment together.
In Christ’s love and peace,
Trinity Parish Leadership