St. Thomas Woman Charged in Motor Oil Attack, Claims Divine Instruction

A St. Thomas woman has been arrested following an incident in which police say she threw used motor oil at a neighbor who was walking home from work on Sunday afternoon.

Nicole Prinsloo allegedly spotted the victim in the Hospital Ground area and ran toward her while holding a container of the oil. According to a police probable cause factsheet, Prinsloo hurled the liquid into the woman's face, causing it to splash into her eyes and create a burning sensation that blurred her vision.

When the victim tried to flee, Prinsloo pursued her and poured more oil over the woman's head and body, soaking her completely. Nearby parked vehicles were also hit by the oil during the attack.

The victim's roommate heard the commotion and called for help. When the roommate rushed to assist, Prinsloo allegedly grabbed him, snapping a chain around his neck and scratching his skin. Other residents in the area came to help as well.

During police questioning, Prinsloo acknowledged pouring the oil on the woman. She told investigators that God had instructed her to "sanctify" the victim because the woman appeared "evil" to her, according to the factsheet.

Police noted that Prinsloo's further statements to them were "unrelated, disorganized, and confused." Investigators found no history of prior disputes between the two women.

Prinsloo was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, simple assault, destruction of property, second-degree reckless endangerment and disturbance of the peace. She was held in custody pending an Advice of Rights hearing before Magistrate Judge Simone VanHolten-Turnbull.