CHICAGO — A man was charged in connection with the stabbing of two men at a North Michigan Avenue hotel Saturday nine days after he was released from jail on another assault charge, authorities said.
Jimmy Harris, 56, was charged with attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated unlawful restraint Monday, police said.
About 8 p.m. Saturday, Harris approached Dr. Mir Shah, a 67-year-old oncologist in a bathroom at the Westin Hotel, 909 N. Michigan Ave. Harris stabbed him in the right side of the face and neck and punched him in the face, Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto said during Harris’ bond hearing Monday.
Police said earlier Monday Harris had demanded money from the victim before stabbing him.
Scaduto said the victim grabbed Harris and tried to drag him toward the door to get in a public area, but Harris pulled the victim back into the bathroom.
Shah and his family were downtown to watch the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival for the weekend, NBC reported.
Harris stumbled through the restaurant after leaving Shah, and witnesses saw the blood on his hands, Scaduto said. A restaurant bartender chased Harris outside, and when he tried to grab him, Harris stabbed him in the chest. Harris went to The Cheesecake Factory and changed from a black sweatshirt to a blue sweatshirt. Police found Harris soon after with the knife and both sweatshirts, Scaduto said in court.
Shah remained at Northwestern Hospital Monday afternoon, receiving treatment for stab wounds and “blurred vision.” The second victim received two stitches for the stab wound on the left side of his chest, Scaduto said.
Harris has a history of aggravated battery and robbery, including an incident in which he beat up a 59-year-old victim at 1300 N. Sedgwick St. Harris was released from jail Nov. 9 and was on parole for beating a stabbing a 69-year-old victim with a broken bottle at 1 N. Halsted St., Scaduto said.
Harris was ordered held without bail.
