Fugitive Stabs Himself In Chest To Avoid Arrest: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL – A 48-year-old Winthrop Harbor man wanted on escape and domestic battery charges apparently stabbed himself in the chest to avoid being arrested this past week, police said. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and US Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force responded to the home of Thomas T. Chapman, of the 700 block of Franklin Avenue in Winthrop Avenue, to take him into custody on Tuesday.

When they arrived, they saw Chapman disappear down a hallway inside the home. Task force members made entry into the residence, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Chapman was found in bed and unresponsive from self-inflicted stab wounds to his chest.

Task Force members began administering life-saving first aid. Rescue personnel responded and transported Chapman to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for treatment.

Chapman was treated and released. He was transported to the Lake County Jail where he is held without bond.

He is next expected in court on April 19.