A Wicker Park restaurant worker was attacked from behind by a knife-wielding man who is also suspected of stealing a residential moving truck nearby, Chicago police said. No arrests have been made.
Both incidents unfolded around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday.
Police said the attacker walked up behind a 48-year-old man standing behind a restaurant in the 2000 block of West Division and grabbed him around the neck while displaying a knife. Police said the offender never said a word as the victim fought to free himself, suffering cuts to his hands and forehead in the process.
An ambulance took the victim to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
Moments later, a moving crew flagged down police to report that a man with a bloody face drove away in their truck, which they left running on the 1100 block of North Wolcott.
Cops found the truck traveling on the 1400 block of North Paulina and pulled it over. The driver jumped out and ran away while leaving the truck in reverse, Bartoli said.
An officer climbed into the truck and stopped it before it caused any damage or injuries, a CPD spokesperson said.
Area Three detectives are investigating the crimes.