ROCKFORD, IL – A violent incident in Rockford, Illinois, on Wednesday afternoon resulted in four fatalities and five injuries, according to local police. The initial emergency call was received around 1:15 p.m., reporting a medical situation on the 2300 block of Holmes. This was followed by multiple calls that requested police and paramedic response throughout Rockford and neighboring regions of Winnebago County, stated Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd.
Sheriff Gary Caruana of Winnebago County shared that one of the incidents involved a home invasion near the Florence and Eggleston intersection. A young woman attempting to escape was stabbed in the face and hands, resulting in serious injuries. Additionally, a Good Samaritan who tried to assist the woman was also stabbed.
In total, from the series of incidents, four people were killed. One person was also critically injured, and four more were taken to hospitals where their condition was subsequently stabilized. Not all victims were stabbed, and no gunshot victims were reported, according to Chief Carla Redd. Sheriff Caruana reported that a postal worker was among the deceased.
A suspect was taken into custody by the authorities around 1:30 p.m., and the investigation is ongoing. The motive behind the attacks remains unclear.
Mayor Tom McNamara of Rockford expressed devastation in the wake of the violent acts, stating that he was “totally shaken by this act of violence.”