4 killed, five injured in Rockford mass stabbing, suspect in custody

Four people were killed and five more were wounded in a mass stabbing in Rockford early Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. A man thought to be the sole attacker was in custody.

Of the five people wounded, one was listed in critical condition while the others are stable, Rockford police Chief Carla Redd told reporters Wednesday afternoon. At least one of the victim’s injuries was neither stabbing nor gunshot-related, she said. Authorities had not determined the suspect’s motive.

Police were first called to the 2300 block of Holmes Street about 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Redd said. The stabbings occurred near the area of Cleveland Avenue, Holmes Street and Eggleston Road, Rockford police said in a social media update posted just after 3 p.m.

Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana said the victims included a young woman who ran from the suspect but was stabbed in the hands and face and a good Samaritan who tried to intervene and help the woman. The woman was in serious condition and the man who helped her was “fine,” Caruana said. The sheriff said a mail carrier was also “involved” in the incident,  but didn’t elaborate.

Officials offered their condolences to the victims’ families.

“Words can’t even express my thoughts right now,” Redd said. “My heart goes out to the families who are suffering a loss.”

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara called the attacks “random and senseless,” announcing that Flinn Middle School would be open for neighborhood residents and the victims’ families to receive counseling services on Thursday.