Suspect in bar stabbing arrested

TAMPA -- Police have arrested the woman accused of stabbing a romantic rival Sunday outside the Interstate Lounge.

Marsha Elaine Johnson, 34, of 8003 Glen Oak Court, was arrested at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday on charges of attempted first-degree murder, jail records show.

She was held without bail Thursday morning at the Orient Road Jail.

Police have accused Johnson of stabbing Rhonda McCray-Ware in the parking lot of the lounge, 9403 N Nebraska Ave., at 1:02 a.m. Sunday. Police say McCray-Ware suffered stab wounds to her face, neck and chest. She was taken to Tampa General Hospital, but further information about her condition was not available Thursday.

A tipster led police to Johnson, telling investigators that a car was parked at her house. An officer called her on the phone, and she agreed to turn herself in to police. She was arrested at her home.

-- Abbie VanSickle, Times staff writer