Charges filed against alleged knife-wielding man shot by CPD officers in River North

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago police announced on Wednesday felony charges against an alleged knife-wielding, wanted man shot by department officers Monday afternoon in the lobby of a River North hotel.

Demond Williams, 46, of Chicago faces felony counts of aggravated assault involving a peace officer and unlawful use of a weapon following an incident that occurred just before 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, in the 0-100 block of East Hubbard Street, near State Street and Wabash Avenue.

According to police, officers observed Williams with a knife. He allegedly ran away from police after being spotted. Police add that officers pursued Williams into the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on East Hubbard St.

Police said that once attempts to de-escalate the situation, including the deployment of police-issued Tasers, proved unsuccessful, officers opened fire when Williams allegedly ignored commands and turned toward them while still armed with the knife.

According to police, two officers opened fire, striking Williams in the upper body.

“I heard, ‘Drop the Knife! Drop the knife!’ multiple times,” witness Pedro Piori told WGN News on Monday, adding that he later heard about four to five shots.

Paramedics rushed Williams to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where he remains hospitalized. He is due in court for an initial detention hearing on Thursday.

Police said no booking photo of Williams is available at this time.