A tragic incident unfolded in the US state of Illinois, leaving four individuals dead and at least five others injured after a knife-wielding assailant went on a rampage. The Rockford Police reported that the attacks occurred after a home invasion on Wednesday afternoon, with one of the injured individuals in critical condition.
Among the victims were a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man. Law enforcement officials have taken a 22-year-old suspect into custody for questioning, although the motive behind the attacks remains unclear.
The home invasion initially transpired on Florence Street, but the violence subsequently unfolded at multiple locations, according to police statements. Winnebago Country Sheriff Gary Caruana disclosed that a young woman sustained severe stab wounds to her hands and face while fleeing from the suspect, and she is currently hospitalized and undergoing intubation.
Additionally, a man described by Sheriff Caruana as a “good Samaritan” suffered less severe stab wounds while attempting to aid the fleeing woman. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd clarified that not all victims sustained stab wounds, though none were inflicted with gunshot wounds. Moreover, authorities do not suspect the involvement of any other assailants.
Expressing condolences to the affected families, Rockford resident Ruth Gallagher mourned the loss of her long-time postman, who was among the deceased. The US Postal Service confirmed the death of a postal worker in the incident, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community.
Rockford City Mayor Tom McNamara conveyed his heartbreak for the victims and their families, emphasizing the resilience of the community in the face of adversity. He announced the provision of free counseling services at Flinn Middle School in Rockford to support those impacted by the tragedy.