Oklahoma City (April 25, 2014) -- A woman, who was nearly killed by a man who she thought was her friend, has thanked the Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier who saved her life.
On the afternoon of March 15, Katelyn Powers of Oklahoma City, was driving along Interstate 35 near the Interstate 40 interchange when her boyfriend attacked her with a kitchen knife without warning. Powers, who is eight months pregnant, told investigators the attack was unprovoked and without warning.
Powers was able to pull off the road near the bridge over the Oklahoma River and exit the vehicle, but, according to witnesses, he continued to stab her. Several passersby called 911, but initially, only one stopped.
Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier Sgt. Kevin Painter of Lawton, saw Powers being attacked and immediately slowed his vehicle and positioned it between the boyfriend and Powers.
The attacker ran away, and a few moments later, jumped from the I-35 bridge into the Oklahoma River.
Painter, who is a trained Army medic, immediately began treating Powers, who was bleeding from numerous wounds. He also worked to calm her down and assured her that she was safe.
Within a few minutes, police and emergency medical service personnel arrived and the assailant, who lay on the north shore of the river with a neck injury, was taken into custody. Powers was treated at a local hospital for multiple cuts and other wounds.
Since that day, Powers has wanted to thank Painter for literally inserting himself between her and her attacker.
On April 11, she had the opportunity to meet Painter and thank him in person for his heroic deeds.
Their meeting began with a hug from Powers and a big thank you. Then the two talked about the incident for several minutes.
Painter said he saw the assailant slicing at Powers with the knife and no one else was stopping, "so I just pulled up."
Powers said she felt like she was going to die on the side of I-35 until Painter interceded.
"I was very thankful [to see him pull between us]," said Powers. "I really thought that was the end for me."
As the reunion ended, Painter said, "I'm glad to know that you are doing OK and that your baby is going to be OK."
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