Elgin gang-related fight ends in stabbing

Editors note: This article was revised to reflect the correct location of the stabbing in the 0-100 block of South State Street.

An Elgin man was stabbed in the chest late Saturday night during an altercation that police said started when the victim punched a member of his own gang.

Two Elgin men were arrested in connection with the stabbing.

Damian Franco, 21, of the 600 block of Grace Street, and a 16-year-old boy, were each charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery in a public way and mob action — all felonies.

The victim was stabbed in the upper chest near his shoulder, according to police Cmdr. Glenn Theriault. He was taken to Provena St. Joseph Hospital for treatment and later was released.

Theriault said officers first responded at about 11 p.m. to a fight at a restaurant on the 0-100 block of North Spring Street and cleared the scene. The group involved in the dispute then moved to the 0-100 block of South State Street where the fight continued and arrests were later made.

According to reports, the 21-year-old stabbing victim was highly intoxicated when he started yelling at another man and punched him. At least half a dozen people joined the fight.

Franco is expected in bond court Monday morning. The preliminary court date for the juvenile was not available Sunday.