3 injured in attack by man wielding "hatchet-like object" at Chicago Southwest Side McDonald's
CHICAGO (CBS) — A McDonald's on Chicago's Southwest Side was cautiously welcoming back customers Monday afternoon, one day after three workers were brutally attacked.
The workers were apparently with a hatchet in the incident just before 8 a.m. Sunday at the McDonald's at 7832 S. Western Ave.—right next to St. Rita of Cascia High School.
Chicago Police said a young man, 18, and two women, both 45, were at work at the restaurant when an unknown male walked into the business and demanded free food from the cashier. When the cashier refused, the offender displayed the hatchet-like object and began striking all three victims.
The 18-year-old was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition. One of the women was also taken to Advocate Christ in serious condition. The second woman was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition.
"Man, this messed up," said Moe Cannon. "They don't mess with nobody. We go to this McDonald's every day, and they all cool people there."
Cannon said he spoke to the suspect before he went into the McDonald's.
"He asked me for a dollar for some coffee," he said. "I ended up giving him a dollar and I gave him a Newport. He had the axe on him. I didn't know what he was going to do."
Cannon said shortly later he saw the suspect walk out of McDonald's.
"I saw a little blood on the axe, and he was smiling. He was smiling and walking with the axe like this and eating a cookie," Cannon said. "Old girl had a hole in her head, and one lad was cut right here, and one boy, he was cut on his face, I think."
Hours after the incident, police got a call saying say the person who stabbed the three was back. The call came from across the street at Nicky's Family Restaurant & Pancake House, and reported that the attacker was at the Chicago Transit Authority's neighboring 79th/Western Bus Terminal.
CBS News Chicago's cameras were rolling as police arrived. The moment the suspect was put in handcuffs was audible.
Officers on scene said the man they took into custody had the possible weapon.
McDonald's released the following statement: "We are deeply upset by the violent attack that took place in our restaurant yesterday morning, harming three of our own team members. Nothing is more important than the safety of our employees and customers."
Charges are expected soon to be filed against the man taken into custody.