Man Stabs Dog In Downtown Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — Police are investigating a Black Friday knife attack on an elderly couple's dog outside the downtown Evanston Target store. The couple was standing outside the store shortly after noon when an unidentified man walked up and asked to pet their dog, police said.

The man then stabbed the dog at least one time and fled the scene in the 800 block of Church Street, according to Cmdr. Ryan Glew. The man was described as about 30 years old and wearing a green coat and dark colored hat, Glew said. Investigators are canvassing for surveillance video or witnesses who may have seen the incident.

The dog was taken to a local animal hospital and out of surgery and in stable condition as of Friday night, according to a social media post from a family member cited by the Chicago Sun-Times. The relative said the man appeared to be mentally unstable.

Anyone with information or who may have captured footage of the attack or its aftermath to contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5040 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and entering EPDTIP and the tip in the message.