Random stabbings in Bloomington include German tourist

Two people were stabbed Wednesday in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, in what police described as a random attack. One of the victims was a German tourist who was visiting the city’s Route 66 visitors center amid a Route 66 trip.

According to the Bloomington Pantagraph, the tourist and a Pantagraph employee who happened to be working outside were attacked by an assailant with a 4-inch knife. A McLean County Museum of History volunteer also was knocked down by the attacker.

The Pantagraph worker was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery. The German tourist was treated and released. The injuries from the stabbings were not considered life-threatening.

According to a Pantagraph next-day report, the museum continued to follow up with the tourist after the ordeal:

“It was a terrible shock to be stabbed, but he is quite lucid, and we’ve had some good conversations,” museum Executive Director Greg Koos said Thursday.

The museum is paying for the tourist’s food and lodging costs while he spends a couple more days recuperating at an area hotel.

“That was the intent of the museum, because he was in our city to visit the Route 66 visitors center,” said Koos.

It obviously was a terrible experience for the tourist, but the kindness of the people at the museum after the attack likely will make a good impression.

The suspect in the attacks is Jason Hopkins, 35, of Bloomington, who was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault Thursday. He remains in jail on $1 million bond, and authorities took the unusual step of keeping his hands cuffed behind his back during the bond hearing because of fear he would become violent. Hopkins reportedly gave a long, rambling statement at the hearing before the judge interrupted him. According to the newspaper, Hopkins has a string of criminal complaints dating to 2000.