Manteno Police Respond to Stabbings; Suspect in Custody

On March 21, Manteno officers were dispatched to Copelands Route 50 North Bar, in the 100 block of N. Locust Street, in reference to two stabbing victims. Upon arrival, officers located two stabbing victims in the parking lot, but the offender had fled the scene on foot. During the investigation, the suspect was identified as Thomas J. Wood III (08/22/91).

The male victim had a head wound, while the female victim was injured on her arm. Both victims were transported to the hospital.

According to statements, Wood had been involved in conflicts inside the bar earlier in the evening and was asked to leave. Wood then waited outside of the bar until closing and approached the female bartender, a former girlfriend, and another male adult walking out of the bar. A struggle occurred in the parking lot, resulting in Wood allegedly stabbing the male in the head and the female in the arm. He then fled the scene on foot.

Later in the morning, police received information that Wood might be at a local fast-food restaurant in Manteno. Police arrived, located Wood, and took him into custody without incident.

Preliminary charges against Thomas Wood III are: Two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and one count of aggravated domestic battery.

Wood was transported to the Jerome Combs Detention Center to await a court appearance.

Wood is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.