Husband says Fullerton therapist with knife wounds is in 'good health and good spirits'

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FULLERTON (FOX 11 / CNS) - A woman who wounded her psychologist with a knife and holed up into the therapist's office with the victim was shot and killed by Fullerton police Thursday morning, police said.

FOX 11 has confirmed the therapist attacked Thursday morning in Fullerton is Jacki Stevens.

Around 7:30 Thursday morning, someone in the building called 9-1-1 to report a stabbing.

Seconds later, an emergency call came in from Stevens herself.

"While in route, police also received information about a 9-1-1 call who stated she had just been stabbed by one of the patients," said Fullerton Police Spokesperson Jon Radus.

Within four minutes, officers arrived to find the suspect holding her therapist hostage in a small office room.

Police say she had locked the room and created a barricade.

The knife was still in her hand according to police.

Officers forced their way and opened fire on the suspect.

She was pronounced dead at the office

"Officers are going to discharge their weapons anytime they feel their their lives are at stake or someone else's lives are at stake," said Radus.

The 40-year-old therapist was taken to a local trauma center with knife wounds on her back.

Her husband didn't want to go on camera--but says his wife is in good health, good spirits, and she is a "tough cookie."

"This is a statement issued by Jacki Stevens. Firstly, I would like to applaud the effort to the Fullerton police department for their quick and decisive action. Without their rapid response, I would likely not be here today. I would also like to thank Fullerton fire department, First Responders, and Hospital staff that have assisted me today. The show of support from patients and community has been overwhelming. I am recuperating with my family and loved ones, and request that our privacy be respected at this time, as well as that of my office and patients. Thank you very much."

Earlier:

Police were called just after 7:30 a.m. to the 1600 block of East Chapman Avenue regarding a woman armed with a knife, Fullerton police Sgt. Jon Radus said.

Moments later, the victim called police to say one of her patients had injured her, Radus said.

Police arrived within four minutes of the first call and when they entered the office they found the suspect and victim were barricaded in the 40-year-old therapist's office, Radus said.

When police got into the room they confronted the suspect and an officer-involved shooting occurred, Radus said. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene and police recovered the ``fairly large knife,'' Radus said.

The therapist was taken to an area hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Radus said.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office will investigate the shooting, which is standard protocol in such cases.