Grovetown mom allegedly stabs CPS worker

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WJBF) – A Grovetown woman is behind bars after allegedly stabbing a Child Protective Service (CPS) worker.

Reports say the suspect’s mother has custody of her 6-year-old autistic grandson after his mother, Joan Frances John, lost custody of him.

The grandmother contacted CPS to explain that she didn’t feel comfortable with John in the home. She allegedly told the worker that John is unstable and abusive to her and the child. The worker advised the grandmother to get an eviction order for John immediately and only allow John to have supervised visits with her son.

The CPS worker had the grandmother sign the needed paperwork and then presented it to the suspect. That’s when John allegedly pulled out two knives and began stabbing the worker multiple times. The grandmother was able to get John off the worker and grab one of the knives; the worker ran from the home to seek help.

The suspect allegedly said, “I don’t know why I did that, I’m leaving.” The grandmother The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, deputies saw the CPS worker covered in blood and had her transported to the hospital for treatment. They then heard screaming coming from inside.

After banging on the door, the grandmother answered covered in minor cuts and blood. They also allegedly found blood on the couch and the child, but he was not injured.

Reports say Joan John fled the scene. Law enforcement found her about an hour later hiding in some woods near the residence. She was taken into custody and charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault and Cruelty to Children.

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