Knife-Wielding Suspect Tased, Arrested In Skokie

SKOKIE, IL — A brief vehicle pursuit between Skokie police and a suspect last week escalated when the suspect pulled out a knife and was tased by officers, according to law enforcement.

While on the scene of a previous investigation on Thursday evening, officers with the Skokie Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 7900 block of Skokie Boulevard. The vehicle, which police believed was connected to the previous investigation, initially seemed to stop, but then fled.

After briefly stopping again, the driver of the suspect vehicle, who was armed with a knife, reached out and grabbed an officer who was near the driver's side door. The officer was able to break away safely and the driver resumed fleeing before stopping again and displaying the knife.

"Skokie police officers then broke the offending vehicle's windows, and an officer deployed a Taser to safely subdue and take the suspect into custody near the intersection of Lamon Avenue and Jerome Street," police said in a statement.

Following the suspect's arrest, police took him to a local hospital for medical evaluation related to the Taser deployment. Skokie officers sustained minor lacerations caused by shattered glass during the incident.

The investigation preceding the traffic stop remains ongoing, and the police department plans to contact the Cook County State's Attorney's Office to review the findings and file charges.

"We are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation and will provide updates as warranted," Sergeant Brandi Shelton said.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact the Skokie Police Department at 847-982-5900. The 24-hour crime tip hotline can be reached at 847-933-8477. Text-A-Tip is available by texting "Skokie" and your tip to 226787.