Chicago police are searching for a man accused of attacking three people with a "hatchet-like object" after being denied free food. The attack occurred around 8:29 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, at a McDonald's located in the 7800 block of South Western Avenue.
According to reports, the assailant first approached a customer outside the restaurant, asking for a dollar for coffee. The customer, Moe Cannon, complied, also giving the man a cigarette. "He had the axe on him. I didn't know what he was going to do," Cannon told CBS News Chicago. He recounted the disturbing aftermath, saying, "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. The 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."
The victims of this brutal attack include an 18-year-old man and two 45-year-old women. Police reported that the victims were taken to local hospitals, where the 18-year-old and one of the women were listed in good condition. The other woman, however, was in serious condition.
The restaurant's drive-thru remained open while the interior was closed for the night. In a distressing twist, the suspect reportedly returned to the scene hours later, prompting another call to the police. The motive behind this violent outburst appears to stem from the suspect's demand for free food being denied.
This incident has left the local community in shock. Regular patrons, like Moe Cannon, expressed disbelief at the violence. "Man, this messed up," Cannon said. "They don't mess with nobody. We go to this McDonald's every day, and they all cool people there."
As the investigation continues, the Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of urban life and raises concerns about safety in public spaces.