A DeKalb man is facing attempted first-degree murder charges after police say he stabbed another man in the neck during a dispute that started over a basketball court argument, then fled the city before being tracked down in Chicago nearly two weeks later. Paris Craig was transported back to the DeKalb County Jail and now awaits a detention hearing on the felony charges.
According to NBC 5 Chicago, the DeKalb Police Department said officers were called to the 900 block of Ridge Drive around 5:30 p.m. on September 25 after the victim was stabbed in the neck. The victim told police he had gotten into an altercation with a man who had been harassing children on a nearby basketball court. Investigators say Craig first tried to punch the victim with a closed fist but missed, then swung a knife at him, striking him in the neck. The victim was taken to an area hospital before being transferred to another facility for more advanced treatment, per the outlet's reporting.
Police Searched DeKalb Before Suspect Surfaced in Chicago
Officers went to Craig's DeKalb residence looking for him but could not locate him, the station's report states. A warrant was issued for his arrest on the attempted first-degree murder charge, and Craig was arrested 12 days after the stabbing. DeKalb Police had issued a public safety alert urging residents to avoid the 800 block of Ridge Drive while officers investigated what was initially described only as a weapons offense, according to the Daily Chronicle's Instagram
account.
Craig surfaced in Chicago, where city police took him into custody on Wednesday, October 7, on the outstanding warrant, per Facebook page N’ Cuffs. Chicago Police notified DeKalb Police of the arrest, and authorities extradited Craig back to DeKalb County. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail not only on the attempted murder count but also on a felony charge of aggravated battery stemming from the knife attack, that same report notes.
Craig's Detention Hearing
Craig's pending detention hearing will proceed under the state's Pretrial Fairness Act, which eliminated cash bail statewide.
Chief Points to Pattern of Court Disputes Turning Violent
The stabbing has reignited concern among DeKalb officials about how neighborhood disputes, particularly those rooted in pickup basketball games, keep escalating into serious violence. DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd addressed the city council in late September, stating the Ridge Drive dispute began over a basketball game and pointing to a broader community struggle with adult conflict resolution, according to Superhits 93.5. Byrd also told the council investigators had identified suspects in recent violent cases.
At that same meeting, 7th Ward Alderman John Walker called on city and police leaders to take stronger action against violent crime in north side neighborhoods near Ridge Drive, citing resident fear and the area's proximity to local schools, Shaw Local reported. The meeting also included discussion of neighborhood safety concerns.
The police department had nearly 75 sworn officers, and Chief Byrd said patrols were being increased.
