Man charged in knife attack at Libertyville motel

LIBERTYVILLE – A Libertyville man has been charged in connection with attacking an acquaintance with a knife, police said.

About 10:05 p.m. Dec. 6, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a motel in the 31200 block of North Route 45, unincorporated Libertyville, following a report of a fight and a stabbing.

Upon arrival, deputies located a 31-year-old man, a resident of the motel, who suffered minor cut injuries, according to a news release.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Javier Moran, 54, also a resident of the motel, had been drinking alcohol in a motel room with two acquaintances.

During their gathering, Moran allegedly became argumentative and threatened one of the men. He was asked to leave the room and initially complied, police said.

Shortly afterward, police say Moran returned armed with a knife. He tried to stab the 31-year-old victim, who deflected the knife but suffered minor hand injuries in the process. Moran then allegedly engaged in a physical altercation but was subdued by the victim and another person present in the room, according to the release.

The victim declined medical treatment, while Moran requested an evaluation at a hospital, due to injuries suffered while being subdued. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated and released into custody.

Moran has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

A petition to detain Moran while awaiting trial was filed by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.