A woman accused in an unprovoked sidewalk knife attack on a mom pushing her child in a stroller in downtown Brooklyn was ordered at a court hearing Friday to undergo a psychiatric examination.
Lequasiah Lawrence, 25, faces charges of attempted murder, felony assault, menacing and harassment in the broad-daylight attack on Monday. She appeared in court in a red T-shirt and blue jeans, her hands cuffed behind her back.
A Brooklyn Criminal Court judge ordered Lawrence held without bail.
Around 3:20 p.m. Monday, Lawrence confronted the 34-year-old mother, who was pushing her 3-year-old daughter in a stroller on Jay St. near Tillary St., according to police and a criminal complaint.
Lawrence — who was wearing a blonde wig — pulled out a knife, pointed the blade at the young girl, and barked to the mother: “I’m going to kill your baby,” said police.
When the woman stepped between Lawrence and her daughter, the two women fought to gain control of the knife, said cops. Lawrence plunged the blade once into the woman’s chest and numerous times in both of her legs before running away, court papers allege.
The wounded mom was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
A relative of Lawrence’s previously told the Daily News she was “a perfectly kind person” but struggled with mental health issues in recent years.
Lawrence was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and changed drastically after taking drugs believed to be laced several years ago, according to the family member.
She is set to return to court on June 27.