Man charged with stabbing during attempted robbery in West Loop

CHICAGO (SUN TIMES MEDIA WIRE) - A Roseland man who allegedly stabbed a man during an attempted robbery late Sunday on the Washington Street Bridge in the West Loop has charged with a hate crime, among other felonies.

The 49-year-old victim was standing on the bridge about 11:30 p.m. in the 400 block of West Washington when Leroy Willis walked up and announced a robbery, according to Chicago Police.

Willis, 45, “uttered a derogatory racial statement,” then stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife, police said. Willis also tried to steal the man’s wallet, but was detained by a the victim and witness, who held him until officers arrived at the scene.

The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said. He has since been released.

Willis, of the 11000 block of South Wentworth Avenue, was charged with aggravated battery, hate crime and attempted aggravated robbery, all felonies police said.

In court Tuesday, Judge Adam Bourgeois ordered him held without bond, according to the Cook Cunty state’s attorney’s office. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 31 in Branch 42 at 2425 W. Belmont.