A violent series of events in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood on Thursday morning left two people stabbed, four cars damaged, and residents shaken. The incident began with a carjacking and escalated into a multi-car crash, ending with the swift arrest of the suspect and a neighborhood in distress.
The chaos started around 6:30 a.m. on the 5100 block of South Rutherford Avenue. A 41-year-old woman was walking to her car when she was approached by a female suspect. Without warning, the suspect stabbed the woman in the chest and bicep, taking her car and fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she remains in critical condition, fighting for her life after the brutal attack. The incident left neighbors in disbelief as they tried to process the level of violence that had erupted so suddenly in their usually quiet area.
After fleeing the scene in the stolen Nissan SUV, the suspect drove less than a mile to the 5100 block of South Mulligan Avenue. It was there that the stolen car collided with two parked vehicles, causing significant damage. The loud crash jolted residents awake, many of whom rushed outside to see what had happened. Barbara, a resident whose Chevrolet SUV was one of the cars damaged in the pileup, described the scene as chaotic. “At first, I thought it was maybe a drunk driver or something,” she said, struggling to make sense of the wreckage outside her home.
The crash also involved a parked Kia, owned by a 30-year-old man who had been preparing to take his young son to daycare. The man confronted the suspect, but during the altercation, she stabbed him in the back. Despite his injuries, the man fought back and, with the help of a neighbor, managed to subdue the suspect until police arrived. Witnesses described the moment as both terrifying and heroic, as the injured man prioritized protecting those around him. The victim was later transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he is reported to be in good condition, though the physical and emotional toll of the attack remains significant.
The suspect, who sustained minor injuries from the crash, was taken into custody by police at the scene and transported to Holy Cross Hospital. Officers arrived quickly, ending the suspect’s violent spree before further harm could be inflicted. Charges against the suspect are pending as detectives from the Wentworth Area continue their investigation into the string of events. Authorities are working to piece together the details, including what may have motivated the suspect’s actions and whether she has a history of violence.
The events have left residents of Garfield Ridge shaken. Patricia Krska, another neighbor, recalled hearing the commotion from her home. “The crash came first, and then the screams,” she said. “It’s just sad. You never expect something like this to happen right outside your door.” The shock of the morning’s violence has reverberated throughout the neighborhood, with many residents expressing concern for the victims and their families.
In total, two innocent people were injured, and four vehicles were damaged during the suspect’s rampage. For the 41-year-old woman who was carjacked and the 30-year-old man who intervened after the crash, the ordeal has been life-altering. Both victims face a long road to recovery, and their neighbors are rallying around them, offering support and prayers for their healing. “It’s just heartbreaking,” Barbara said. “We’re all hoping they’ll be okay.”
The incident has also raised questions about safety and security in the area. While violent crime is not unheard of, the scale and randomness of Thursday’s events have left many residents feeling unsettled. Several neighbors have called for increased police presence and community vigilance to prevent similar incidents in the future. Others have emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to support one another during challenging times.
As detectives continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and holding the suspect accountable for her actions. The Garfield Ridge neighborhood, while still grappling with the shock of the morning’s events, is determined to move forward. For now, residents are taking comfort in the swift response of law enforcement and the bravery of those who stepped in to stop the suspect. The harrowing morning will not be forgotten, serving as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be disrupted by violence.
