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Man stabbed while picnicking at West Chicago park

Two suspects arrested in West Chicago crime

A man was hospitalized with a hole in his lung after he was stabbed during an early evening robbery attempt while picnicking at Pioneer Park in West Chicago, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Alejandro DeLaCruz, 17, and Irbin Rocha, 18, are accused of carrying out the attack with a third man about 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

DuPage County Prosecutor Bethany Jackson said the trio approached as the victim was having a picnic in the park at 479 W. Forest Ave. with his girlfriend.

Jackson said the group demanded money and began beating the victim in the head and body. She said DeLaCruz then pulled out a knife and stabbed him twice in the chest.

“He has a hole in his lung and is in the hospital,” Jackson said of the victim in court Tuesday.

Rocha, of the 2900 block of Burlington Avenue in Lisle, and DeLaCruz, of the 1200 block of Kings Cross in West Chicago, were each charged with aggravated battery and attempted armed robbery. An warrant has been issued for a third unnamed suspect’s arrest, Jackson said.

Judge Elizabeth Sexton set bail at $200,000 for DeLaCruz and $100,000 for Rocha. The men must post 10 percent of those amounts to be released from the county jail.

Jackson said Rocha has prior arrests for reckless conduct, mob action and retail theft, and DeLaCruz was on probation for battery and aggravated assault.

The men are due back in court next month.

Irbin Rocha
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