(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Four people were killed, and seven others were injured following a stabbing spree in Rockford, and a 22-year-old suspect was in custody, police said Wednesday.
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd said the attacks happened in multiple locations across both Rockford and Winnebago County jurisdictions. Police received the first emergency calls around 1 p.m., followed by additional calls for police and paramedics.
Police later identified the victims who died as a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man and a 22-year-old man. Their names were not released.
"Words can't even express my thoughts right now," Redd said. "This is a pretty painstaking event. My heart goes out to the families right now who are suffering a loss."
Not all of the victims found at multiple addresses in the city had stab wounds and none were shot, according to Redd.
A 22-year-old suspect reportedly was in custody at a local police station and was being interviewed. The police chief added that they believe only one person was responsible for the attacks.
Officials shared no details on the suspect's possible motive.
Will Peterson, with the Rockford Fire Department, said three people were declared dead at the scene. A fourth was declared dead at a local hospital.
The city of Rockford said they would make emotional support and counseling services available to families of the victims, as well as residents of the neighborhood in which the attacks took place. Those free services would be provided at Flinn Middle School starting Thursday at 9 a.m.
Mayor Tom McNamara acknowledged that the community was still recovering from the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old Walmart employee, which took place on Monday.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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