Archive
Bystanders, mall security detain stabbing suspect www.privateofficer.com
William R. Clark III told a Kane County Judge that he should have gotten help for his mental problems after he was discharged from the Marines in 2008, but he didn’t.
Clark, who had attended basic training in San Diego, also acknowledged that he had suicidal thoughts. He said he had taken the 7-inch, military-issue bayonet from his father.
The victim, a 21-year-old from Carpentersville, was in critical care this morning.
The woman had been working at Bath and Body Works in Spring Hill Mall about 8:30 p.m when Clark approached her.
He then forced her into the men’s bathroom, stabbed her once in the middle left side of her back, and then dropped the weapon, said West Dundee Police Chief Dave Sawyer.
“He walked out with the victim to the sales floor where the victim told fellow employees she had been stabbed and collapsed on the floor,” Sawyer said. “He was detained by bystanders and mall security until police arrived.”
The victim was transported to Sherman Hospital in Elgin where she underwent surgery, Sawyer said.
“It was definitely a domestic type of situation,” he said. “She wanted to break it off; he didn’t.”
Clark was charged with attempted first degree murder, aggravated domestic battery and armed violence. His bond was set at $650,000 and his next scheduled court date is April 15.
Sawyer said the stabbing was not gang-related.
“It’s unfortunately a domestic situation and we’re getting more and more everyday,” he said. “The mall has been very quiet. They’ve done a good job up there; security is high and we don’t go up there much for gang-related calls.”
