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Neighbors holding fundraiser for West Palm Beach stabbing victim

Posted at 10:34 PM, May 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-14 11:15:10-04

One day after West Palm Beach police announced the arrest of the Flagler Bridge stabbing suspect, neighbors in Old Northwood Historic District are saying they are relieved.

Inside the neighborhood clubhouse, you'll find a few neighbors looking to help one of their own.

"We're all about community," resident Matt Chambers said. 

In April, one of their fellow neighbors was violently attacked while riding a bicycle along Flagler Drive and Okeechobee Boulevard. 

"I know we had problems but I didn't think it was that bad," Gerald Shields said. 

Shortly after the incident, Suzanne spoke with WPTV. She said a man pushed her off of her bicycle under the Flagler Bridge and stabbed her in the chest. 

The man was on the run for more than a month. Then, Saturday evening West Palm Beach police announced they found the suspect through DNA evidence, and a warrant was issued for 22-year-old D'Antoine Jackson.

"I immediately sent a note to the police department and said, 'Hey, I want to be in first appearance court and stand with Suzanne to make sure she has some support,'" Chambers said. 

His support doesn't end there. Chambers along with Shields have planned a dinner to raise money for Suzanne's medical expenses and a GoFundMe page has also been set up.

"It makes the people in the neighborhood feel like they're doing something to help somebody," Shields said. 

The event will be held at the Old Northwood Historic District clubhouse and will include a night of socializing and an Italian dinner. 

"I think if we really fill the clubhouse next week and the streets outside the clubhouse to let her know that people care," Chambers said. "It's one thing to write a check, but to come physically to an event to show her that you care is going to make all the difference for her."

Shields says he will be selling tickets until Thursday. The event is scheduled for Saturday. More information is available on their neighborhood's Facebook page.