71-year-old woman in critical condition after being stabbed near Union Station
CHICAGO - A woman is in critical condition after being stabbed in a horrific attack near Union Station on Wednesday afternoon.
The brutal stabbing occurred in broad daylight outside the city’s busiest train station, where witnesses chased down the suspect.
"Definitely saw a little bit of police, which was a surprise, because if they’re here for a while that means it’s something serious," said Sebastian Estrada, a commuter.
Around 1:30 p.m., a 71-year-old woman was near the sidewalk in the 200 block of South Canal Street when a male offender approached her and stabbed her multiple times with a sharp object, according to police.
"Just knowing how busy this area is in the afternoon, and the fact that can happen in broad daylight is frightening," said Jackie Lang, who works in the area.
The offender fled the scene, but according to dispatch audio, those nearby jumped into action.
"Female stabbed in the back; offender fled. Fire is on the way," the dispatcher said. "Caller is chasing a man who he witnessed attack the female on the street."
The woman was transported to an area hospital in critical condition, police said.
Soon, police placed the offender into custody.
"Citizens are holding the offender at Tilden and Clinton, Tilden and Clinton," the dispatcher added.
The attack was troubling to those who live and work in the area.
"You hear about this stuff on the news, but it’s not something you expect to be so close to you – and hit so close to home," said Lang.
As detectives continued to investigate, commuters walking near Union Station reacted to the vicious attack.
"It’s a shame because Chicago is a great city and it’s really sad to see," said Lang.
"There’s a lot of stuff going on in the world, you know, this just adds on to the many things that happen, but I hope for the better," said Estrada.
A motive for the attack has not yet been released.
Charges against the offender are pending. Area detectives are investigating.