Halton Regional Police say it started when a woman took a sword, which was on display in a Steeles Avenue apartment where she was fighting with her boyfriend at about 8:45 p.m., and struck him on the shoulder, arm and side of his head.

The argument drew the attention of the victim's brother, who confronted the woman and told her to leave the apartment.

She then walked across the street to the Petro Canada service centre at the corner of Steeles Avenue and Martin Street.

Police say a large window and two glass doors in the front of the store were smashed with a sword, along with two windows in a nearby parked car.

The commotion caught the attention of Steve Reynolds, an off-duty part-time Milton firefighter.

"He tried to persuade her to put down the sword in the parking lot," said Det. Sgt. Murray Drinkwalter.

But the woman proceeded into the gas station and began to approach the two male employees. Drinkwalter said Reynolds, 42, grabbed her from behind. While he was severely slashed across the arm by the sword, he continued to hold on.

"The two attendants assisted him and held her for the arrival of police because he (Reynolds) was losing a lot of blood," Drinkwalter said, noting the attendants weren't injured.

Police say they were on the scene within seconds and performed first aid on Reynolds until paramedics arrived.

The local firefighter is being lauded as a hero by both police and the Milton Fire Department.

"Everyone here is immensely proud of Steve and his actions," said Mark Cross, acting deputy chief with the fire department.

"Steve is a wonderful individual. He's a great asset for the Milton Fire Department."

Drinkwalter noted that Reynolds put himself in the line of danger and acted responsibly.

"If it hadn't been for the actions of the off-duty firefighter this incident could've been more tragic. And if it hadn't been for the gas station attendants, this could've been much worse," he said. "All three people in that gas station should be commended for what they did."

Reynolds was taken by land ambulance to Hamilton General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery late Sunday night and remained yesterday.

The woman was taken to Oakville- Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for treatment while her 26-year-old boyfriend was admitted to Milton District Hospital in stable condition with lacerations to his head, shoulder and arm. He was still in the hospital at press time.

Richele MacDonald, 21, of Milton is charged with possession of a weapon that's dangerous to the public peace and two counts each of assault with a weapon, aggravated assault and mischief to property.

She has been remanded into custody at the Vanier Centre for Women, with a bail hearing scheduled for tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in Milton court.

Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com.