A UIC student center incident occurred when a student attempted arson and tried to attack another student with a weapon before being arrested by police.
The incident took place around 12:40 p.m. on the 4th on the second floor of the Student Center East building on the UIC campus.
According to university police, the suspect is currently enrolled as a UIC student. He allegedly attempted to start a fire using an incendiary device in the second-floor hallway, then pulled out a large butcher knife from inside his trench coat to attack students.
Witnesses reported that the suspect chased students and attempted to stab a fleeing student multiple times after the victim fell down. The student reportedly kicked the suspect away and managed to escape the scene.
Police responded to the call, arrested the suspect at the scene, and took him into custody. Immediately following the incident, university officials evacuated people from the building, restricted access, and issued an emergency alert to the campus community. The investigation involves the UIC Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Determining that there was no further threat to the campus community, the university reopened the Student Center East building on the morning of the 5th. Police are currently investigating the exact circumstances and motive behind the crime.
