Rockford, Illinois – A man named Christian Soto, 22, has been taken into custody on multiple charges in connection with a stabbing spree that resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to seven others, authorities reported.

The attack, which spanned several locations in Rockford, left the community reeling as police worked to unravel the motive behind the heinous crime. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd stated that the suspect’s motives were not immediately clear, adding to the shock and confusion surrounding the incident.

Among the victims were a 15-year-old girl, a 22-year-old man, a 49-year-old man, and a 63-year-old woman. Tragically, three individuals died at the scene of the attacks, while a fourth succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital. The surviving victims, including one in critical condition, were left grappling with the aftermath of the violent onslaught.

The first reported medical call came in early afternoon, triggering a rapid response from law enforcement and medical personnel. Ultimately, it was a Winnebago County sheriff’s deputy who managed to apprehend the suspect following a report of a home invasion, shedding light on the chaotic sequence of events.

Eye-witnesses recounted scenes of horror and confusion as emergency responders tended to the wounded and apprehended the suspect. One resident described the arrest as reminiscent of a movie, with officers shouting commands as they swiftly took control of the situation.

The incident bore a chilling resemblance to another recent attack in the community, where a teenage worker at a local Walmart had been fatally stabbed, underscoring the urgency of addressing violence within the city. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara expressed shock and concern over the violent acts, emphasizing the need to support those directly affected by the tragedies and assist in their recovery.