Tragedy struck Rockford, Illinois on Wednesday afternoon (Mar 27) as four people were killed and five injured in a stabbing spree.
Of the four people killed in the attack, one was a 15-year-old girl. Other victims include a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man. One victim, as per Caruana, was a postal worker. Their identities are yet to be revealed.
As per reports, of the five injured in the attack, four are in stable condition, and one is in critical condition.
Suspect in custody
As per local media reports citing Rockford police, the suspect, a 22-year-old man, was apprehended by the police at 1:35 pm, and was in custody. As of now, the motive for the attack has not been determined.
CBS News reports that not all the victims were stabbed. However, no gunshots were reported.
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd reported that they received the first call seeking medical assistance in the 2300 block of Holmes at around 1:15 pm (local time). This was followed by additional calls for police and paramedics at various locations in Rockford and Winnebago County.
In a statement, the police said: “On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at approximately 1:14 pm, Rockford Police officers responded to multiple addresses in the area of Holmes Street, Winnetka Drive, and Cleveland Avenue.”
“We are currently working through the details of the investigation and further updates will follow as the investigation continues. The suspect, a 22-year-old male, was located in the same area and taken into custody at 1:35 pm,” it added.
Home invasion?
As per the Winnebago County Sheriff, Gary Caruana, a home invasion was reported near the intersection of Florence and Eggleston.
The home invasion resulted in a young woman being stabbed in the face and hands and getting seriously wounded. A Good Samaritan who tried to help her was also stabbed.
Chief Redd stated that the suspect was being questioned, but a motive for the attack had not yet been established. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
(With inputs from agencies)
