Man Charged With Hate Crime In Stabbing On West Loop Bridge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 45-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly using a racial epithet while stabbing another man on the Washington Street Bridge late Sunday.
Todd Light was going home Sunday night, and stopped on the bridge to look at the Chicago River, when a man approached him, demanded his wallet, and stabbed him multiple times in the abdomen.
Light fought back, and held down his attacker until police arrived.
"I hit him until he dropped the knife and stopped trying to kill me, because I didn't want to get stabbed again," he told CBS 2's Brad Edwards.
Monday morning, police said 45-year-old Leroy Willis had been charged with aggravated battery, a hate crime, and aggravated attempted robbery. Police said Willis used a racial epithet while attacking Light.
Willis was ordered held without bond on Tuesday afternoon.
Light credited a passerby for helping him, and flagging down additional help as he struggled with the suspect.
"I would like to very much to say thank you," Light said.
Light also learned from a paramedic that his burly frame served him well.
"He said if you were a skinny guy you'd probably have been dead," he said.
