Two Young Sons Leap Into Action to Protect Father During Deadly Street Brawl

Two young brothers bravely defended their father from a knife attack on a New Brunswick street Friday afternoon. Neighbours and police were alerted to the daylight confrontation near French and Louis Streets.

Court filings show that 42-year-old Joshaun L. Williams hurriedly shouted out to a 39-year-old acquaintance and his two sons from across the street around 3:45 p.m. Williams was accosted by the man and his boys, which escalated the dispute. In reaction, the mother placed herself between Williams and her sons to deescalate the situation.

Later, surveillance tape showed Williams pull a knife from his back pocket, rush at the other man, and hit him while they fought on the ground. The 11- and 13-year-old youngsters instantly joined the fight and hit Williams. Bystanders separated the parties.

He was stable after emergency personnel took the 39-year-old victim to a neighboring hospital with an upper chest stab wound. Court records described Williams’ left eye laceration and bruises. Williams later claimed he disarmed and took the knife from the other man before the struggle.

Williams was arrested for attempted murder, serious assault, two child endangerment counts, and weapons violations. He is in Middlesex County jail awaiting further proceedings. He will return for a pre-indictment hearing later this year after his first court appearance rejected his release. The records show no lawyer for him.

This case shows how a minor argument can escalate into a life-threatening conflict, and how two young boys’ bravery may have changed the outcome.