One arrested after Wheeling teen stabbed during fight

A 19-year-old Wheeling man is recovering in the hospital after being stabbed in the abdomen during a fight early Sunday morning, Wheeling police officials said.

The victim was sitting in his car with another person in the 700 block of S. Buffalo Grove Road at 2:54 a.m. when they were approached by Oscar Medina, 20, of the 0 to 100 east block of Jeffrey Avenue in Wheeling, and a second individual, said Wheeling Police Chief Bill Benson.

Words were exchanged between the four people, Benson said, and the exchange escalated into a fight, Benson said. Medina pulled out a pocket knife during the scuffle and stabbed the victim in the stomach, he said.

Medina attempted to flee the scene after the stabbing, Benson said, but the unidentified victim's friend chased him down and held him until police could arrive.

The victim was transported by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where he underwent emergency surgery, Benson said. He is currently listed in good condition with non-life-threatening injuries, Benson said.

Benson said Medina was charged with one count of aggravated battery with great bodily harm. If found guilty of the class 3 felony, Medina could spend up to 5 years behind bars.

Medina was in bond court early Monday morning, but his bond information and next court date are unknown at this time.