June 12--A man was repeatedly stabbed near the Art Institute earlier this week by another man who had asked him for a cigarette, prosecutors said Friday.
When the victim indicated he didn't have any cigarettes, Michael Wims Jr., 29, pulled out a steak knife and stabbed the man around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of South Michigan Avenue, according to Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto.
Arriving officers found the knife was on the ground covered in blood, Scaduto said. She described the man's injuries as "life-threatening," saying he suffered deep cuts to his neck, forearms, hands and abdomen. The victim's condition has since been stabilized.
The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, police said. Wims fled the scene of the incident and was later arrested, police said.
Wims admitted to authorities that he stabbed the man, Scaduto said. He also said he was supposed to be taking medication for bipolar disorder but had not been doing so for a year, and that he hears voices in his head, according to Scaduto.
Wims, of the 8100 block of South Artesian Avenue, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, and aggravated battery with use of a deadly weapon, police said. He was ordered held on $500,000 bail.
