Hoffman Estates Teen Stabs 2 in Arlington Heights After Smoking Weed

Arlington Heights police responded to a double stabbing call around 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, at an apartment in the 200 block of N. Dunton Avenue, known as Park View. Two men suffered lacerations to their heads, necks and hands, and were rushed to Northwest Community Hospital for treatment. Prosecutors allege the attacker, Damian R. Engelmann, 18, of the 4400 block of Shorewood Court in Hoffman Estates, had spent the prior hours eating food and hanging out with the victims at the apartment, which one victim shared with his mother.

According to court filings, Engelmann and one victim were sleeping on a pullout couch around 6:30 a.m. when the victim woke to use the bathroom and smoke marijuana; Engelmann joined him in smoking. Minutes later, as the victim tried to return to sleep, Engelmann allegedly began stabbing him in the face and neck. A second victim was also attacked in the frenzy, prompting a 911 call. Engelmann fled the scene, leaving a blood trail, and was captured on downtown surveillance cameras heading west along Northwest Highway.

Officers traced Engelmann via his phone number and arrested him near Northwest Highway and Route 53. Note: One report describes him as homeless, though his address is listed in court records. Following a detention hearing on Friday, May 1, Cook County Judge ordered Engelmann held in Cook County Jail without bond. He faces two counts of attempted murder, each carrying 6 to 30 years if convicted, with his next court date set for May 29.