Detective Sgt. Randy Morris of the Bristol Borough Police Department noted the attack that took place in the 200 block of New Brook Street Tuesday morning was a “violent” one. It ended with a 42-year-old woman being stabbed several times shortly after midnight.
Stephanie Brehmer, who Morris described as the “estranged girlfriend” of 36-year-old James Anton, was stabbed in the chest, neck and breast, after an argument ensued between her and Anton early Tuesday morning. Anton, who had left a sober house facility one property down on Sunday was living with a friend when the incident occurred, the detective sergeant said.
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The friend said he was providing a “courtesy” to Anton by letting him live at his house after he had been “kicked out” of the sober living facility just two days ago. He noted he was sleeping Tuesday morning when he was awoken by Brehmer, who he described as bleeding profusely and yelling that Anton had assaulted and stabbed her.
Court papers show Brehmer then ran from the home, leaving a pool of blood in the kitchen and trails of blood through the homes living room. She ran to the Phinny McGee’s bar at Filmore Street and Farragut Avenue in the borough, collapsed on the floor, and was receiving medical care when police arrived, according to an affidavit.
Brehmer was immediately transported to Aria Health’s Frankford-Torresdale campus, where she underwent emergency surgery, and was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU). According to Morris, who heads the criminal investigations unit of the department, Brehmer’s condition was not immediately known, but last he heard she remained in critical condition.
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“She is lucky to be alive, at least as of now,” he said.
Anton was arrested late Tuesday morning after a search by police.
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Anton faced Judge Frank Peranteau in Bristol Borough District Court late Tuesday afternoon at arraignment. The 36 year old was quiet and he remained with his head down as the judge read his charges – those of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated and simple assault and possession of a weapon. For his alleged crimes, Peranteau noted Anton could face 30-plus years in prison if Brehmer survives, life in prison or the death penalty shall she pass away from her injuries.
Following orders from the judge, including the cut off all direct or indirect contact with the victim, Peranteau set Anton’s bail at 10 percent of $5 million. Anton will remain in the Bucks County Correctional Facility until his scheduled preliminary hearing on September 16.
According to Morris, Anton remains on probation from a 2012 stalking and harassment case in Hilltown Township.
Judge Peranteau has sent James Anton, 36, to prison on 10% of $5 million bail for alleg. stabbing his ex gf this a.m. pic.twitter.com/WHLM6n5iOk
— Amanda Kuehnle (@amandaMkuehnle) September 8, 2015
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Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
